Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister and head of the Republican Party of India (Athawale), on Saturday claimed that the Mahayuti alliance had “shut down” the businesses of rival leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray as attention turns to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
BMC elections Mumbai and the political stakes
Speaking at a public meeting, Athawale said the alliance between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde had left little room for the Thackerays in the city’s political and commercial life. “Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde have come together, and Mahayuti together has shut down all the businesses of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray,” he told supporters.
Athawale sought to play down recent tensions within the Mahayuti over seat-sharing for the BMC contest, saying he had “no displeasure” with anyone. He highlighted the alliance’s record in Mumbai, pointing to housing projects and the construction of statues of Babasaheb Ambedkar as examples of the government’s civic initiatives.
The veteran leader also described recent outreach from within the coalition. Athawale said BJP MLC Pravin Darekar visited his Bandra residence to address concerns and conveyed a message from the chief minister. “Pravin Darekar came and said that he understands our displeasure. The CM also called me this morning, and Pravin Darekar came with his message,” Athawale said.
Devendra Fadnavis, speaking separately at the NSCI Dome in Worli, framed the upcoming municipal vote as transformative for the city. He argued that the Mahayuti would deliver a decisive rebuke to politicians who put private interest above civic duty. “We launched our BMC election campaign by breaking a coconut. This election will be a life-changing one for the people of Mumbai and for Mumbai itself. We have to teach a lesson to those who only care about their self-interest,” Fadnavis said.
Political analysts say the BMC elections offer a high-stakes test for Maharashtra’s ruling coalition. The municipal corporation controls significant urban planning and civic services in India’s financial capital, making control of the BMC a strategic prize for any party or alliance seeking influence over city governance.
Opposition leaders, including Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, have sought to mobilise their bases around issues such as local services, heritage conservation and migrant workers’ welfare. The Mahayuti, for its part, is emphasising deliverables such as housing schemes and infrastructure projects as evidence of its governance credentials.
Polling is scheduled across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, on 15 January, with counting due on 16 January. Campaigning will intensify in the coming days as parties seek to consolidate urban support ahead of the decisive municipal ballot.
As the contest approaches, the narrative offered by Mahayuti leaders is likely to centre on development and civic delivery, while opponents will attempt to challenge that claim by highlighting local grievances. The outcome in Mumbai will be watched closely as an early indicator of urban political sentiment in the state.
Key Takeaways:
- Mahayuti leaders assert they have sidelined rivals Uddhav and Raj Thackeray ahead of the BMC elections Mumbai.
- Ramdas Athawale praised the alliance’s housing and civic initiatives while downplaying internal discontent.
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the poll a “life-changing” contest for Mumbai and vowed to punish self-interested opponents.
- Polling for 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, is set for 15 January with counting on 16 January.
