Mumbai, Feb 13 (NationPress) Just two days following the unopposed election of BJP corporator Ritu Tawde as the Mayor of Mumbai, the Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) has labeled the new administration a "dark day" for the city. The party claims that the ruling government will prioritize the interests of industrialists over the Marathi people and will facilitate land acquisitions for large businesses.

The party's statement comes despite Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissing these allegations, asserting that the new leadership promises a transparent administration and aims to fulfill the aspirations of Mumbai's residents.

In its editorial in Saamana, the Thackeray camp alleged that the BJP secured control by "creating a rift" among Marathi voters. They stated, “Funds were spent excessively to ensure a BJP Mayor was installed. If the municipal corporation was under Shiv Sena’s control, they would have stopped the exploitation of Mumbai.” They believe a conspiracy was orchestrated to prevent a "pure Marathi" Mayor from Shiv Sena. They drew parallels to historical events, claiming the BJP is now dismantling Mumbai piece by piece.

The editorial described Mayor Ritu Tawade's recent remarks as both amusing and absurd. “She promised to eradicate potholes and corruption, claiming she would eliminate '25 years of accumulated corruption' to ensure the city's safety.” While her intentions may be admirable, they argue that the execution lies beyond her control. Furthermore, her vow to ensure women's safety implies a failure of the Home Department led by Fadnavis. Her agenda also includes deporting Bangladeshi and Rohingya Muslims, despite the Modi government approving a significant budget for Bangladeshi aid.

The Thackeray camp pointed out the irony in the Mayor's focus on deportation when the Central Government has allocated funds for aid to Bangladesh.

The Shiv Sena, under Uddhav Thackeray, contended that for the last four years, Mumbai has been under administrative rule, during which contractors linked to the "Gujarat lobby" allegedly pillaged municipal finances. “Invoices amounting to thousands of crores were submitted for incomplete projects with significant 'cuts' directed to the Urban Development Department. The Mayor must expose this corruption,” the editorial asserted.

It further noted that if the Mayor is serious about curbing corruption, she should be open to discussing it. Otherwise, the onus of fighting corruption rests with the robust opposition. “The new administration should acknowledge that nearly 100 opposition corporators exist within the municipal hall. Although the tradition of a Shiv Sena Mayor has been disrupted, the responsibility for preserving Mumbai's Marathi identity lies with Shiv Sena, founded by its original creator. Those who have seized control of Mumbai with external support will face dire consequences in the future,” it warned.

Reflecting on the power shift, the Thackeray camp observed that after 42 years, a BJP corporator has ascended to the Mayor's office in Mumbai. “Why did it take four and a half decades for the BJP to obtain this position? Why were they kept away from municipal authority for so long? Citizens must ponder this, especially since they did not achieve this position through transparent means, but rather by sowing discord among Marathi unity. While mayoral elections occurred in 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, the Mumbai Mayor's role is distinct,” they concluded.