Sanjay Raut Criticizes Eknath Shinde Over BMC Election Seat Allocation
In a recent press conference, UBT Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut criticized Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for allegedly yielding to the BJP in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. Raut expressed concern over the Shiv Sena's reduced seat allocation compared to the BJP and emphasized the party's historical resilience. He announced that Shiv Sena (UBT) would contest around 140 seats in alliance with Raj Thackeray's party, while also hinting at a collaboration with the NCP. This political maneuvering has reignited discussions around the 'Son of the Soil' issue as the Thackeray brothers unite ahead of the elections.
| Dec 30, 2025, 12:25 IST
Sanjay Raut's Strong Remarks on BMC Elections
Following the announcement of seat distribution by the Mahayuti for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, UBT Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut launched a scathing attack on Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, accusing him of capitulating to the BJP. Raut remarked that Shinde's faction would contest elections on seats allocated by the BJP.
Read More: Horrific Accident in Bhandup: Terrifying Scene Captured on CCTV, 4 Dead, CM Fadnavis Announces Compensation
The Mahayuti finalized its seat-sharing formula for the upcoming BMC elections on Monday. The BJP will contest 137 seats, while Shiv Sena will field candidates for 90 seats. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Raut stated, "Until now, Shiv Sena has been giving seats to the BJP, but now, thanks to Amit Shah, Shiv Sena is receiving seats. For the past 60 years, Shiv Sena has never bowed down to anyone in Mumbai nor compromised, but Eknath Shinde's faction has gone to Amit Shah; this is disgraceful. Eknath Shinde's faction will contest elections on seats given by the BJP. This is shocking to me... it is unfortunate for the Marathi people.
Read More: Bus Accident in Bhandup: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Announces Ex-Gratia Compensation for Deceased's Families
This criticism arose as Shiv Sena will contest fewer seats compared to its ally, the BJP. Raut also announced that Shiv Sena (UBT) would contest approximately 140 seats in the BMC elections in alliance with Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. He hinted at an alliance with the NCP-SCP as well. The Shiv Sena (UBT) MP stated that they would contest around 140 seats, while Raj Thackeray's party would contest a significant number of seats. They are also allocating seats to the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction).
Read More: Ajit Pawar Takes the Path of Ekla Chalo, Uddhav Releases 'Mumbai Model' Booklet, What Are the Preparations for BMC Elections?
Before the BMC elections, the Thackeray brothers, Uddhav and Raj, have joined forces, reigniting the 'Son of the Soil' issue. Meanwhile, the NCP-SCP released their list of candidates for seven wards in Mumbai on Monday. In the meantime, the NCP led by Ajit Pawar announced its second list of 27 candidates a day after releasing the first list of 37 candidates.