BMC Results: Shinde Sena Secures Corporators in Hotel, Talks On 50-50 Mayor Formula With BJP

This news report focuses on the aftermath of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, where the Mahayuti alliance has emerged victorious, ending the dominance of the Thackeray faction. Following the results, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has moved its newly elected corporators to a five-star hotel in Mumbai to prevent potential poaching. Sources indicate that the Shiv Sena is negotiating a '50-50 power-sharing formula for the mayor's post' with the BJP, potentially involving a split term of 2.5 years each. While the BJP remains the single largest party with 89 seats, the alliance holds a combined total of 118 seats, surpassing the halfway mark. The opposition, including the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena and Congress, has criticized the move, alleging that the alliance partners fear 'Operation Kamal' and internal poaching. The report outlines various political scenarios, including the possibility of the Shinde Sena breaking away or the Mahayuti staying united to appoint a mayor.