Mumbai’s political drama intensifies after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, where the Mahayuti alliance clinched victory. Yet, the mayor’s post remains a hotly contested prize, shrouded in suspense. In a sharp critique, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has targeted the BJP-Shiv Sena duo, questioning why 29 councillors from Eknath Shinde’s faction were sequestered in a hotel like captives.
Speaking exclusively to IANS, Chaturvedi didn’t mince words. ‘If all was well between BJP and Shiv Sena, these 29 councillors wouldn’t be under hotel lockdown,’ she asserted. She accused Shinde of betraying his own party, doling out BMC election tickets based on money and power plays. ‘Shinde knows his councillors aren’t loyal. He fears BJP will poach them, hence the hostage-like confinement,’ she added.
The tension stems from the mayor race. BJP emerged as the largest party but can’t claim the post without Shiv Sena’s support. ‘Shinde’s hotel strategy is pure pressure tactics on BJP,’ Chaturvedi explained. ‘Without Shiv Sena backing, BJP’s mayor dream crumbles.’ This internal rift exposes the fragile Mahayuti alliance, which Chaturvedi dubbed the ‘Mahajhootha’ coalition—built on lies to seize Maharashtra’s power and now eyeing BMC through deception.
‘Mumbai’s citizens mean nothing to them. It’s all about deceitful power grabs,’ she lamented. Meanwhile, on India’s decision to evacuate diplomats’ families from Bangladesh amid rising violence, Chaturvedi justified it citing ongoing murders, mob lynchings, threats to Hindus, and anti-India hatred. ‘It’s unsafe for families there,’ she concluded, urging focus on real governance over political games.