Shinde Accuses Sena UBT of ‘Looting Mumbai’s Treasury’ During BMC Rule
Political temperatures in Maharashtra are rising ahead of the upcoming municipal elections, especially the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls. On the final day of the Maharashtra Assembly’s winter session, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a strong attack on Shiv Sena (UBT), accusing the party of misusing Mumbai’s civic funds during its long tenure at the BMC.
Speaking during the “last week resolution” debate in the state legislature, Shinde alleged that while his Mahayuti government is focused on development and welfare, the Opposition has little to offer beyond allegations and political rhetoric.
Strong Words in the Assembly
Shinde’s Attack on Sena UBT
Addressing legislators on Sunday, Eknath Shinde accused the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) of treating Mumbai’s civic body like a private treasury during its years in power. He claimed that funds meant for the city’s development were either wasted or misused, leaving Mumbai’s infrastructure and civic services in poor shape.
Shinde said the people of Mumbai have not forgotten how the city was governed and added that voters would respond strongly in the upcoming civic elections.
Confidence in Mahayuti’s Victory
The deputy chief minister expressed confidence that the ruling Mahayuti alliance would score a decisive victory in the municipal elections across Maharashtra, including in Mumbai. He said the alliance’s track record in governance and delivery would stand in sharp contrast to what he described as the Opposition’s failure during its time in power.
According to Shinde, the upcoming polls will serve as a referendum on who truly worked for Mumbai’s growth and who merely used power for political gain.
Development vs Allegations: Shinde Draws the Line
Focus on Welfare and Infrastructure
During his speech, Shinde highlighted what he described as the Mahayuti government’s commitment to development and welfare schemes. He said the government has prioritised infrastructure projects, public services, and schemes aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens across the state.
He argued that instead of engaging in constructive debate, the Opposition continues to level what he called baseless accusations, without offering alternative solutions or policies.
Criticism of Opposition Strategy
Shinde accused Opposition parties, particularly Sena UBT, of relying on emotional appeals and blame games rather than addressing real issues. He said the public is increasingly aware of this approach and is looking for stable governance and visible progress.
According to him, the Opposition’s narrative lacks substance and fails to connect with the everyday concerns of citizens.
Why the BMC Matters So Much
India’s Richest Civic Body
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is not just another local body. It is India’s largest municipal corporation and one of the richest in Asia, with an annual budget that often surpasses that of several Indian states.
Control of the BMC is politically significant, as it influences infrastructure development, urban planning, public health, education, and transport in Mumbai. Winning the BMC is seen as a major symbol of political dominance in Maharashtra.
Sena’s Long Hold Over Mumbai
For decades, the undivided Shiv Sena had a strong grip over the BMC. This long tenure gave the party deep organisational strength and influence in Mumbai’s civic administration.
Shinde’s remarks directly target this legacy, aiming to challenge the narrative that Sena alone understands or represents Mumbai’s interests.
Civic Elections Add Political Pressure
High Stakes Ahead of Polls
With municipal elections scheduled across Maharashtra, political parties are sharpening their attacks and defending their records. The BMC elections, in particular, are expected to be fiercely contested, with multiple parties viewing it as a gateway to long-term influence in the state.
Shinde’s comments are being seen as part of a broader campaign to frame the Mahayuti alliance as development-focused and the Opposition as ineffective and corrupt.
Message to Mumbai’s Voters
By accusing Sena UBT of looting Mumbai’s treasury, Shinde is attempting to appeal directly to voters who are frustrated with issues such as potholes, flooding, traffic congestion, housing shortages, and strained civic services.
He suggested that Mumbai deserves transparent governance and efficient use of public funds, promising that the Mahayuti alliance can deliver on these expectations.
Political Context Behind the Attack
Shinde vs Uddhav Thackeray
The rivalry between Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray has defined Maharashtra politics since the Shiv Sena split. Civic elections, especially in Mumbai, are widely seen as a crucial battleground for both leaders.
For Shinde, a strong performance in the BMC elections would reinforce his claim to the Sena legacy. For Uddhav Thackeray, retaining influence in Mumbai is critical to maintaining political relevance.
Assembly Speech Sets the Tone
By choosing the final day of the Assembly’s winter session to make these remarks, Shinde ensured maximum political attention. The speech sets the tone for what is likely to be an aggressive campaign season, with sharp exchanges and competing claims of performance and betrayal.
What Comes Next
Campaigns Likely to Intensify
As civic polls draw closer, voters can expect more direct attacks, counter-allegations, and debates over governance records. Infrastructure, corruption, transparency, and urban quality of life are likely to dominate campaign discussions.
Shinde’s comments indicate that the Mahayuti alliance plans to aggressively challenge Sena UBT’s past governance, especially in Mumbai.
Voters to Decide the Verdict
Ultimately, the verdict will rest with Mumbai’s voters. With memories of past governance and expectations for the future, the BMC election is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political contests in Maharashtra.
Whether Shinde’s accusations resonate with the public or are dismissed as political rhetoric will become clear once the votes are counted.
A Crucial Political Moment for Mumbai
Shinde’s attack on Sena UBT reflects not just a clash of parties, but a deeper battle over Mumbai’s political identity and future direction. As the city prepares for civic elections, the debate over who truly worked for Mumbai’s development is likely to intensify further.
For now, the Assembly speech has ensured one thing: the fight for Mumbai has well and truly begun.
