Uddhav Thackeray Accuses BJP of Deceit in BMC Elections
Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), has accused the BJP of winning the BMC elections through deceitful tactics, claiming they intend to mortgage Mumbai. He asserts that the people of Mumbai will not forget this betrayal and expresses confidence that his party will appoint a mayor in the city. Thackeray emphasizes that the fight is far from over, as he highlights the significant number of seats won by Shiv Sena (UBT) in the elections. This ongoing political drama in Mumbai raises questions about the future of local governance and party loyalty.
| Jan 17, 2026, 18:16 IST
Thackeray's Strong Allegations Against BJP
Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), asserted on Saturday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections through deceitful means, claiming they aim to mortgage Mumbai. He emphasized that the residents of Mumbai will never forget this betrayal. Despite the BJP's recent takeover of the BMC from his party, Thackeray expressed confidence that Shiv Sena (UBT) will appoint its mayor in Mumbai, stating it will be 'by the will of God.'
Political Dynamics in Mumbai
In a discussion with Shiv Sena (UBT) workers at the party's Mumbai headquarters, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra remarked that the BJP believes it has eliminated Shiv Sena (UBT), but that is far from the truth. He further claimed that the BJP has made every effort to undermine loyalty but has failed.
Thackeray's Vision for Mumbai
Following the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance's move to strip the Thackeray family of BMC power, Uddhav Thackeray accused the BJP of wanting to mortgage Mumbai and winning the elections through trickery. He stated that the Marathi people will never forgive this 'sin.' Thackeray expressed his dream of having a Shiv Sena (UBT) mayor in Mumbai, asserting that if it is God's will, it will come to fruition. He pointed out that the BJP is under the misconception that it has eradicated Shiv Sena (UBT), which he firmly believes is not the case.
BMC Election Results
Thackeray noted that the BJP has not been able to eliminate Shiv Sena at the grassroots level, directly referencing the 65 seats won by Shiv Sena (UBT) in the BMC elections. He accused the BJP of employing various tactics to buy loyalty. Thackeray stated, 'They (BJP) have achieved victory through betrayal by mortgaging Mumbai. The Marathi people will never forgive this sin. The fight is not over; it has just begun.' In the 227-member BMC, the BJP secured 89 seats, while its ally Shiv Sena claimed 29 seats. Shiv Sena (UBT) won 65 seats, and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) obtained six seats.