Seat-sharing negotiations between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena for the upcoming Mumbai municipal elections were finalised on Monday, just a day ahead of the deadline for filing nominations.
Mumbai BJP president Amit Satam announced that the BJP will contest 137 seats, while the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) will field candidates in 90 seats. The arrangement covers all 227 seats of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), including those allocated to alliance partners under the Mahayuti. Satam said all 137 seats allotted to the BJP have been finalised, while the Shiv Sena’s share of 90 seats will also factor in the requirements of allied parties.
Dismissing speculation of discord within the alliance, Satam said the delay in reaching an agreement was due to the need to accommodate all partners. “There is no resentment. Finalising the formula took time as everyone was included,” he said.
Former MP Rahul Shewale described the talks as positive and said they had resulted in a practical and workable formula. “The Mahayuti will contest all 227 seats and is confident of winning more than 150 seats. Our resolve is to install a Marathi mayor in Mumbai,” Shewale said. He added that decisions regarding seat allocation for allied parties would be taken by their respective leaderships.
Responding to questions about seat-sharing with the Republican Sena, Shewale said the decision would be taken by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, while the BJP leadership would finalise arrangements with its own allies. He reiterated that the alliance would fight the civic polls on a development-focused agenda. “Mumbaikars are aware that the Mahayuti is in power both at the Centre and in the state. The development of Mumbai is possible only if the Mahayuti forms the civic body,” he said.
Meanwhile, the BJP and Shiv Sena will also contest the Thane Municipal Corporation elections together. According to sources, the Shiv Sena is expected to contest 87 seats, while the BJP is likely to field candidates in 40 seats.
