Mumbai, Dec 16 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party has expressed its unwavering determination to raise the saffron flag over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in the forthcoming municipal elections, intensifying its criticism of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. The BJP claims that the Marathi Manoos has seized a propitious moment to challenge the party and end its 25-year dominance in the civic administration.

Maharashtra’s Minister for Cultural Affairs and the BJP's representative for the BMC elections, Ashish Shelar, took to X to launch an attack on the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray).

In his message, Shelar stated, “The Marathi man has chosen an opportune moment!! Who are the butchers of Mumbai? The Marathi Manoos has woken up to the truth. He has decided on his own to safeguard Mumbai! For 25 years, they’ve been devouring the BMC... gobble... gobble...”

“For their own political gain, they’ve exploited the Marathi Manoos. Now they suddenly remember him. In a desperate attempt to salvage their image, they’re putting up hoardings and trying to awaken the Marathi Manoos. But he’s already alert, observing everything with open eyes. Oh, you deceitful fools, he is eager to seize the opportunity to defeat you,” he added.

“The date is set, the day is confirmed. The Marathi Manoos has chosen a favorable moment to bring about your downfall,” the Maharashtra Minister asserted.

Shelar also challenged the Shiv Sena (UBT) to provide Mumbaikars with a comprehensive account of the ₹1.25 lakh crore spent over the last five terms of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, detailing how much genuinely benefited the populace and how much lined their pockets.

Meanwhile, Keshav Upadhye, the state BJP's chief spokesperson, emphasized that the upcoming BMC elections are not just about control of the civic body but represent a critical battle shaping the future of Mumbai.

Taking a jab at the Thackeray faction and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena led by Raj Thackeray, Upadhye posted on X, “This election is not merely about power but about the future of Mumbai, opposing the arrogance of the Thackeray brothers, who view Mumbai as their family property, and advocating for the development-focused leadership of Devendra Fadnavis, who sees himself as a servant of Mumbai and the Mumbaikars as the rightful owners.”

Previously, the Shiv Sena (UBT) indicated a counter-strategy, asserting it would maintain control of the BMC by outmaneuvering the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in the January elections. “Generations have changed, the mission remains unchanged. For the welfare of Maharashtra,” stated the party.

A leader from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and former minister accused the BJP of being excessively pro-builders and developers, particularly after a series of announcements during the recent winter session of the state legislature concerning redevelopment in Mumbai.

“These are nothing but empty promises and vague responses to our inquiries from the BJP, which has held power at both the Centre and in the state for 12 and 10 years respectively,” he remarked, urging Mumbaikars not to fall into what he termed the BJP’s trap.