Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut criticized the Mahayuti alliance's seat-sharing formula for the upcoming BMC elections, stating the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is now 'begging' for seats from the BJP. The Mahayuti, comprising BJP and Shinde's Shiv Sena, will contest 137 and 90 wards respectively for the 227-member BMC. The BJP released its first list of candidates, and voting is scheduled for January 15, 2026.