From Shinde’s Mayor Math To Raut’s Sideways Praise For Fadnavis: Mahayuti’s Mumbai Puzzle | Politics News

Last Updated:January 19, 2026, 09:25 IST

As Mahayuti weighs Shinde’s reported power-sharing pitch for Mumbai Mayor, Sanjay Raut’s unexpected praise for Devendra Fadnavis adds a new layer to the political churn

Political observers say clarity is likely only after Fadnavis returns from the World Economic Forum in Davos and alliance leaders hold formal consultations. (PTI/File)

Mumbai’s political landscape is being closely watched amid negotiations within the ruling Mahayuti alliance over the Mumbai Mayor’s post following the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, with reports suggesting that the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction is seeking a two-and-a-half-year power-sharing arrangement despite the BJP emerging as the single largest party.

The BJP secured 89 seats in the BMC elections and has staked a strong claim to the Mayor’s post.Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said the Mayor will be from the BJP. However, reports of a proposed rotational formula have added complexity to the ongoing talks within the alliance. News18 Hindi cited sources as indicating that the Shinde camp is keen to maintain unity as discussions continue.

In the opposition camp, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has alleged that councillors from the Shinde faction have been confined to prevent defections, a charge the Shinde group has denied, describing the arrangement as a “training camp” for newly elected representatives.

The situation presents a balancing act for BJP-Shinde Mahayuti. While a refusal to consider the rotation proposal could test alliance cohesion, accepting it could blunt the BJP’s electoral advantage as the largest party in the civic body. Political observers say clarity is likely only after Fadnavis returns from the World Economic Forum in Davos and alliance leaders hold formal consultations.

Raut’s Backhanded Compliment For Fadnavis

Amid the ongoing negotiations, Sanjay Raut’s recent comments have added a fresh political dimension. In a social media post, Raut praised Fadnavis’s engagement with global investors in Davos and compared his reception to the international standing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting the BJP leader could be moving towards a larger national role in Delhi.

Analysts believe the remarks could fuel unease within alliance ranks while simultaneously enhancing Fadnavis’s profile within the BJP.

Mumbai Mayor Talks: What We Know So Far

• What is being discussed within Mahayuti over the BMC Mayor’s post? The BJP wants the Mayor’s post for the full term, while reports suggest the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction is seeking a two-and-a-half-year rotational arrangement.
• What did Sanjay Raut say about Devendra Fadnavis? He praised Fadnavis’s Davos engagements and suggested the CM he could be headed for a larger role in Delhi.
• Have councillors from the Shinde faction been confined? Raut has alleged confinement; the Shinde camp says councillors are attending a training programme.
• When will clarity emerge on the Mayor’s post? After Fadnavis returns from Davos and alliance leaders meet.

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