‘Hotel Politics’: BMC Results Trigger Mahayuti Rift as BJP Flags Seat-Sharing Concern

The results of elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra have thrown up fresh political churn, particularly within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. While the alliance has registered significant victories in several cities, cracks have begun to surface after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) results.

In Mumbai, the BJP emerged as the single largest party, winning 89 seats, while the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde managed to secure 29 seats. Despite the numbers favouring the alliance, internal differences have started coming to the fore, especially over seat-sharing and post-election strategy.
Senior BJP leaders in the state have expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the Shinde-led Shiv Sena contested more seats than warranted, which ultimately affected the BJP’s strike rate. According to BJP leaders, this led to the party suffering losses in Mumbai despite a strong overall performance. These concerns have reportedly been conveyed directly to the party’s central leadership.

While celebrations are visible on the surface, BJP leaders believe that the Shiv Sena’s relatively weak performance in Mumbai denied the alliance a more decisive mandate. The BJP had contested 135 seats and won 89, maintaining a strong presence. In contrast, the Shinde faction fought 90 seats but could win only 29. BJP leaders have told the high command that had the party contested a larger share of these seats, it could have crossed the 100-seat mark on its own, giving the alliance a clearer and more comfortable majority.

Apart from seat-sharing, BJP leaders have also raised concerns over Shinde’s post-election moves, particularly the practice of keeping corporators together at hotels. According to BJP leaders, such “hotel politics” has damaged the alliance’s public image and could have long-term political consequences. These complaints have added to speculation that tensions over leadership and dominance within the Mahayuti may intensify in the coming days.
Even as the ruling alliance grapples with internal discord, the opposition appears to be exploring new political possibilities. Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) leader Sanjay Raut recently met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray at Shivteerth. The two leaders held discussions for nearly half an hour, triggering fresh speculation about a possible political understanding.

On Wednesday at 11 am, newly elected corporators from the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) and the MNS are expected to jointly visit Konkan Bhavan. Sources said that once the official gazette is published, both parties may formally come together to form recognised groups in the civic body. Discussions have also reportedly taken place regarding a joint programme scheduled for January 23.

Meanwhile, the Congress, which has won 24 seats in the Mumbai civic body, has also moved swiftly to firm up its strategy. Senior corporator Ashraf Azmi, who has been elected for the third consecutive term, has been appointed as the group leader.
All 24 Congress corporators are expected to visit Konkan Bhavan later today to complete the formal registration of their group.

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