Mumbai, January 17 (NationPress) In the wake of the results for 29 municipal corporations, the Shiv Sena (UBT) launched a fierce critique against the BJP on Saturday. Although the BJP's lotus has flourished in 23 out of 29 cities, the significant loss of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ignited a heated exchange of words.

With the BJP-led Mahayuti surpassing the majority threshold with over 116 seats, paving the way for a BJP Mayor in Mumbai, the Thackeray faction has accused Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of betraying the Marathi community.

Senior leader and MP Sanjay Raut delivered a pointed attack on Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, likening him to the historical figure 'Jaichand', a long-standing emblem of betrayal in Indian lore.

Raut asserted, "Had Eknath Shinde not transformed into a Jaichand, even an army of 100 BJP factions could not have placed a BJP Mayor in Mumbai. This situation echoes the moment at Shaniwar Wada when Balaji Pant lowered the Maratha 'Jaripatka' (Saffron flag) and hoisted the British Union Jack, allowing the East India Company entry. Shinde and his allies are the modern-day descendants of such figures."

He further highlighted the robust presence of the Opposition: "The BJP-Shinde alliance holds a fragile majority. There are 110 members in the Opposition, including Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS. This is no small number; we will not allow them to advance even a blade of grass without resistance. Losing the Mayoralty is a moment of sorrow for Maharashtra and Mumbaikars," he stated.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) signaled its determination to continue the fight by sharing an image of founder Balasaheb Thackeray on social media, accompanied by a resolute message: "This battle is not over yet... It will persist until the Marathi Manoos receives the respect they rightfully deserve!"

The BJP-Mahayuti has effectively concluded the Thackeray family's 30-year dominance over the BMC, the wealthiest municipal body in India.

Despite the setback, the Shiv Sena (UBT) plans to leverage the narrative of "regional pride" to strengthen its base for the upcoming 2029 Assembly elections.

By invoking terms like "East India Company" and "Balaji Pant," the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction is framing the BJP’s victory as a corporate takeover of Mumbai by external forces, supported by local "traitors." While the BJP gears up for the Mayoral inauguration, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS are expected to collaborate closely in the Opposition.