“It’s Our Dream to Have a Sena Mayor in Mumbai,” Says Uddhav Thackeray After BMC Setback

Mumbai: In his first press conference after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray struck a defiant tone, asserting that his party’s ambition to lead Mumbai is far from over despite the Mahayuti alliance securing control of the civic body.

Addressing party workers and supporters in Mumbai, Thackeray said, “It’s our dream to get Shiv Sena (UBT) mayor elected; if God willing it will happen.” His remarks came a day after the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena crossed the majority mark by winning 118 of the 227 seats in the BMC.

Thackeray also targeted the BJP over its role in the election outcome, alleging that the party’s intention was to compromise Mumbai’s autonomy. He accused the ruling alliance of winning through betrayal rather than popular support. “The BJP wants to mortgage Mumbai,” he claimed, adding that the verdict did not reflect a clean political mandate.

Referring to the performance of his party, Thackeray said the Shiv Sena (UBT) had held its ground despite intense pressure. “The BJP couldn’t finish off Shiv Sena on the ground,” he said, pointing to the 65 seats won by his faction. He further asserted, “The BJP used all means but could not buy loyalty,” underlining what he described as the resilience of his cadre.

In an emotional appeal centred on identity politics, Thackeray warned that the electorate would not forget the developments surrounding the party split and the BMC outcome. “Marathi manoos will never forgive this sin,” he said, signalling that the issue of Marathi pride would remain central to his political fight.

Political tensions intensified further after the Shinde-led Shiv Sena moved its newly elected corporators to a luxury hotel in Bandra, reviving speculation about “hotel politics” in Mumbai’s civic power struggle.

Earlier in the day, Thackeray also took to social media platform X to underline that the political contest in Maharashtra is ongoing. In a post shared by Shiv Sena (UBT), the party declared, “This battle is not over yet… It will continue just like this until the Marathi person receives the respect they deserve!”

While Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray attempted to consolidate support around the Marathi identity and language plank, analysts note that the Mahayuti alliance benefited from highlighting large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Metro Aqua Line and the Coastal Road during the campaign.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also welcomed the BJP–Shiv Sena-led victory in the Maharashtra civic polls, crediting it to what he described as a “pro-people, good governance” approach. Thanking voters, the Prime Minister said the NDA’s “vision for development has struck a chord” with the people of the state.