During a press conference, Nirupam criticized Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), for straying from the founding principles of the party by “collaborating with the Congress and jihadi Muslims”.
He asserted that such actions are unacceptable to the Marathi population.
He declared that Mumbai will have a Mahayuti mayor and stated, “certainly it will not be a Mamu or Khan”.
Nirupam also mentioned that any attempts in this direction would be resisted.
“The criteria used in the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha should be applied to the BMC elections,” the former MP remarked.
He noted that during the Vidhan Sabha elections, the seats held by the undivided Shiv Sena were allocated to the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde.
“We anticipate that the same arrangement will be implemented for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections,” Nirupam added.
Out of the 84 previous corporators from the undivided Shiv Sena, around 60-65 have joined the Shinde-led Sena and have been promised election tickets, he indicated, noting that former corporators from other parties, such as Congress, have also joined the Sena.
“With 90-100 seats for the Shiv Sena, a strong competition can be mounted alongside the BJP,” he further stated.
Discussions between Shiv Sena and BJP are currently taking place to solidify an alliance for the BMC elections.
The BMC comprises a total of 227 seats.
Elections for 29 civic bodies in Maharashtra are set for January 15.
