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CM Devendra Fadnavis underlined that all key decisions related to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) would be taken collectively by the ruling alliance.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis (L) and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. file image
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took a sharp swipe at Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray over his claim that his party could still secure the Mumbai mayor’s post “if God is willing,” asserting that the decision would rest firmly with the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance.
Reacting to Thackeray’s remark, Fadnavis struck a sarcastic note, saying it was unclear whether “Deva” referred to God or himself. “What does ‘Deva’ mean? God or me? Because I am also called Deva Bhau,” he said, adding that it was indeed “the will of the Almighty” that the next mayor of Mumbai would come from the Mahayuti.
The chief minister underlined that all key decisions related to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) would be taken collectively by the ruling alliance.
“Who will become the mayor, when the mayor will be elected, where it will be decided, and for how many years, these decisions will be taken together by me, Eknath Shinde, and our party leaders. There is no dispute at all,” Fadnavis said.
Thackeray had made the “God willing” remark during his first interaction with party workers after the BMC election results were declared.
Calling it his dream to see a Shiv Sena (UBT) mayor in Mumbai, he insisted that his party had not been politically wiped out. “The BJP could not finish Shiv Sena (UBT) on the ground,” he claimed, alleging that the ruling party “could not buy loyalty.”
Targeting the BJP and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Thackeray accused them of betraying Mumbai.
“They have registered victory through betrayal by mortgaging Mumbai. The Marathi Manoos will never forgive this sin,” he said, adding that the political battle was far from over.
At a subsequent press conference, Thackeray alleged misuse of state machinery during the polls and claimed the BJP’s strength existed only “on paper, not on the streets.”
He also raised concerns over polling-day irregularities, alleging that indelible ink could be wiped off and that opposition candidates were either pressured or tempted.
The war of words comes a day after the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance ended nearly three decades of Shiv Sena dominance in the BMC.
In the 227-member civic body, the alliance crossed the majority mark of 114 seats, with the BJP winning 89 and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena securing 29 seats, taking the total to 118.
Shiv Sena (UBT) emerged as the largest opposition party with 65 seats, while the Congress won 24, AIMIM eight, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena six, the Samajwadi Party two, and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) one seat.
Even if all opposition parties were to come together, their combined strength would fall short of the majority mark, leaving the Mahayuti firmly in control of Mumbai’s civic body.
January 18, 2026, 11:08 IST
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