Twenty-nine newly elected Shinde Sena corporators, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, are set to leave the Taj Lands End hotel in Bandra, where they had been confined since January 17 following the BMC election results. The party had retained their original documents, including Aadhaar cards and winning certificates, to prevent defections and horse-trading amid ongoing negotiations over Mumbai’s mayoral post and key committees.
The corporators, frustrated by their inability to celebrate with voters, were awaiting the gazette notification and are scheduled to visit the Divisional Commissioner’s office in Navi Mumbai to present their winning certificates. The Shinde Sena holds 29 corporators, while the BJP’s remaining seats will form the government, together securing 118 of 227 BMC seats. Under municipal law, corporators can switch parties until the “gat” (group) is formally formed. The faction’s control of documents ensured loyalty and prevented defections. Meanwhile, Shinde Sena General Secretary Rahul Shewale is heading to Delhi to meet senior BJP leaders to discuss alliances and mayoral candidates.
