Mumbai's Political Pulse Rises Ahead of BMC Elections

As the BMC elections near, Mumbai witnesses heightened political fervor. BJP's Mumbai chief emphasizes Marathi inclusivity amid allegations of divisive tactics by opposition parties. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde accuses UBT Sena of corruption, calling for a focus on development and integrity as election days approach.

With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections drawing closer, political dynamics in Mumbai have become increasingly intense. Political parties are enhancing outreach strategies and fortifying rhetoric. Mumbai BJP President Ameet Bhaskar Satam campaigned at Juhu Beach on Sunday, promoting the universality of the Marathi language and culture. He stressed that respect for Marathi equates to being a Marathi speaker.

Satam criticized opposition factions for exploiting linguistic and regional politics to sow discord, arguing that post-election, the welfare of Mumbai residents is often ignored. Addressing his supporters, he defended Marathi's inclusivity while condemning its political misrepresentation. According to Satam, anyone living in Mumbai with reverence for the Marathi language inherently belongs to the Marathi community.

Alleging that language issues are election-time propaganda tools for opponents, Satam highlighted a conspiracy to tarnish the Marathi language's reputation. He accused opposition parties of exploiting linguistic and provincial sentiments, overshadowing Mumbai's genuine development needs. He commended the Mahayuti alliance and BJP-led governments for their developmental contributions over the past 11 years.

Urging votes for BJP candidates in the BMC elections, Satam promised ongoing developmental and welfare efforts. The campaign's intensity increased as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, alongside Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and RPI (Athawale) leaders, addressed a sizable Mahayuti rally in Worli. Shinde accused the UBT Sena of rampant corruption within the Mumbai Municipal Corporation.

Describing the rally as a "Clarion call against corruption," Shinde demanded liberation for Mumbai and its citizens from corrupt practices and "greedy predators." He emphasized the Mahayuti's "Mumbai first" philosophy against the opposition's "corruption first" stance. The municipal corporation elections across the state, including Mumbai, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, are set for January 15, with results on January 16. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)