Resort politics is once again making headlines in Mumbai. Just a day after emerging as a crucial power broker in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena has begun shifting its elected corporators to a five-star hotel in the city.
The sudden move has sparked intense political chatter, with sources pointing to strategic calculations at play as the battle for control of India’s richest civic body unfolds.
Why the Hotel Shift Matters
According to sources, the decision is driven by two key concerns. First, there is apprehension about possible defections ahead of the formal takeover of the BMC by the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Second, the move is being seen as a way to strengthen the Shiv Sena’s bargaining position within the alliance.
Although the BJP–Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) combine has crossed the majority mark comfortably, no single party has managed to secure an outright majority on its own—leaving room for political maneuvering.
BMC Elections: A Shift in Power After 25 Years
The recent BMC elections marked a historic turning point. The BJP-Sena alliance wrested control from the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, ending its uninterrupted 25-year rule over the civic body.
Together, the BJP and Shinde-led Sena have the numbers to form the administration. Yet, the fractured mandate has created space for uncertainty, and strategy.
Understanding the Numbers: The BMC Math Explained
The BMC has 227 wards, with the majority mark set at 114.
- BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 89 seats
- Shinde’s Shiv Sena won 29 seats
- Together, their tally stands at 118, comfortably above the majority line
Meanwhile, ally Ajit Pawar’s NCP, which contested independently despite being part of the Mahayuti, secured three seats.
On the Opposition side:
- Shiv Sena (UBT) finished second with 65 seats
- MNS won six seats
- NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) secured one seat
Their combined strength stands at 72.
Separately, Congress won 24 wards, AIMIM secured eight, and the Samajwadi Party claimed two seats.
Could the Opposition Still Spring a Surprise?
If all Opposition parties decide to unite to block the BJP-led alliance, their combined strength would rise to 106 seats, just eight short of the majority mark.
This is where fears of horse-trading and defections enter the picture. Sources say that if the Opposition manages to convince just eight corporators from the Mahayuti camp to switch sides, it could derail the expected BJP takeover of the BMC.
This looming possibility is believed to be a major factor behind Shiv Sena’s decision to keep its corporators together and insulated from political poaching.
A Tactical Move to Strengthen Bargaining Power?
Beyond fears of defections, Shinde’s move is also being interpreted as a calculated bid to assert influence within the alliance. Despite being the junior partner, the Shiv Sena is eyeing the prestigious BMC mayor’s post.
Sources indicate that the Shinde camp, buoyed by its kingmaker status, wants the mayor’s chair to remain with the Sena, a position the party has traditionally held. There is reportedly strong pressure from within the party on the deputy chief minister not to concede this post during negotiations with the BJP.
Several corporators, sources add, believe that compromising on the mayor’s position would weaken the Sena’s standing in Mumbai, where civic control has long been a symbol of political dominance.
