Shinde targets Thackeray camps, stakes claim on marathi mayor and clean BMC

Mumbai — Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attacked Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray on Saturday. He said they talk about the “Marathi manoos,” but they chase power and money. He pointed toward the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and said the stakes run high.

Shinde addressed a Mahayuti rally in Worli. He echoed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Both leaders promised a Marathi mayor for Mumbai. The BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena now fight together in the civic polls.

Then, Shinde shifted to their rivals. He questioned Aaditya Thackeray and Amit Thackeray. Both leaders unveiled parts of their alliance agenda. Shinde asked why they ignored these ideas while in power. He said they focused on money and drained Mumbai.

For context, the Thackeray-led Sena ruled the BMC for over two decades. Voters later turned away. After that, new alliances formed and the battle for Mumbai grew sharper.

Shinde said people rejected old leadership. Therefore, the Thackeray camps now speak about “vision” and “change.” He challenged that claim. He argued that voters trust delivery, not slogans.

Next, Shinde spoke about welfare politics. He defended the Ladki Bahin scheme. The plan gives eligible women ₹1,500 every month. He said critics now copy the idea. He referred to promises from the Sena (UBT)–MNS alliance. They, too, promised support for women workers and Koli women.

Shinde returned to identity politics. He said Mumbai belongs to the Marathi manoos. He said it will stay that way. He denied the charge that the BJP blocks a Marathi mayor. He said the opposition spreads fear for votes.

He also recalled past elections. He said the Thackerays used the claim that “Mumbai will leave Maharashtra.” He said that tactic created emotion, not growth. He said Mumbai wants development and stability.

Then, Shinde spoke about corruption. He said Mumbai needs freedom from greed and political control. He criticized the Thackeray family and linked them to the BMC’s problems. He asked why the Thackeray cousins split years ago if they now claim unity. He said ego and self-interest drove that split.

Shinde praised Balasaheb Thackeray. He said workers of the original movement still stand strong. He said they will carry the alliance to victory.

He framed the rally as a start. He said the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance plans to celebrate a bigger win soon. According to him, the Mahayuti already secured dozens of civic seats without a contest. Polling takes place on January 15. Counting follows the next day.

Shinde said recent wins in Parliament, the Assembly, and local bodies show momentum. He called those results a “trailer.” He said the full picture comes next.

In the end, Shinde drew a contrast. He said his alliance focuses on development, welfare, and Marathi pride. He said rivals rely on drama, fear, and old habits. As the civic polls near, the fight for Mumbai intensifies. And now, the promise of a Marathi mayor stands at the center of that contest.