‘Resort Politics’ Returns as Shinde Sena Moves BMC Councillors to Luxury Hotels

NEW DELHI: “Resort politics” has once again resurfaced in Mumbai’s political landscape following the declaration of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results. Soon after the outcome was announced, the Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde began moving its newly elected councillors to luxury hotels, triggering intense political speculation.

Sources indicate that the move is closely linked to shifting power equations and post-election negotiations. In the BMC polls, the BJP–Shinde Sena alliance crossed the majority mark, with the Shinde faction emerging as a crucial “kingmaker” in the civic body. Political observers suggest that two key factors are driving the current strategy.

First, there is concern that opposition parties may attempt to forge a post-poll alliance to disrupt the ruling combine’s numbers. Second, unresolved tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance over the mayoral post are believed to have contributed to the decision.

The BMC has a total strength of 227 councillors, with 114 required for a majority. The BJP secured 89 seats, while the Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 29, giving the alliance a combined tally of 118—comfortably above the majority threshold.

Opposition Calculus

On the opposition side, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP together hold 72 seats—65, six and one respectively. Adding Congress’s 24 seats, AIMIM’s eight and the Samajwadi Party’s two takes the total opposition strength to 106.

This leaves the opposition short of a majority by just eight councillors, heightening fears of defections and political bargaining. If the opposition manages to break away eight councillors from the ruling alliance, the BJP-led effort to retain control of the BMC could face serious setbacks.

What the ‘Resort Strategy’ Signals

The Shinde faction’s decision to keep its councillors together is also seen as part of a broader negotiation strategy with the BJP. Sources suggest that the Shiv Sena (Shinde) is not inclined to relinquish its claim to the mayor’s post, despite being the junior partner in the alliance. There is reportedly strong pressure within the party to retain the mayoralty, which is viewed as symbolically and strategically significant in Mumbai’s civic politics.

By isolating councillors and maintaining unity, the Shinde faction appears to be strengthening its bargaining position while preventing any internal dissent or poaching attempts. The move underscores how the BMC—often described as India’s richest civic body—continues to remain a focal point of high-stakes political maneuvering in Maharashtra.