What Does BJP Say About Shiv Sena (UBT)?

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused two major political parties in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction, or UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), of forming an alliance driven by fear of electoral defeat in the upcoming Mumbai Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari stated that these so-called dynastic parties are joining forces to protect their political interests as they sense a shift among Mumbai's voters towards the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and its development agenda.

Last updated: 16 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

In a press conference held in New Delhi, Bhandari asserted that the alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS illustrates a desperation among these parties, which he describes as dynastic. He claimed that their collaboration is an attempt to maintain their political relevance amid increasing support for the NDA in Mumbai. The BJP is positioning itself as the party of development, appealing to the electorate's desire for progress and governance reforms.

Key takeaways

BJP alleges that the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have united out of fear of losing the BMC polls.
Pradeep Bhandari claims voters are shifting towards the NDA’s development agenda.
BJP criticises the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government for prioritising extremists over the rights of Bengali Hindus.

Timeline: how we got here

Key developments leading up to the current political climate include:

February 2022: Elections for the BMC were postponed, heightening political tensions among local parties.
September 2023: The BJP ramps up its campaign efforts, focusing on local governance and development issues in Mumbai.
October 2023: The alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS is formalised amid fears of electoral defeat.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most recent developments include BJP's announcement regarding the supposed alliance between the two parties and their perceived motivations. Bhandari's comments have elevated the stakes in the upcoming BMC elections.

What was already established

It is well-known that the Shiv Sena and MNS have historically been rivals in Maharashtra's political landscape. The BJP has been positioning itself as a formidable contender in Mumbai, focusing on its governance record at the national level.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While this political drama unfolds in India, the implications for UK residents are indirect. However, it may affect UK-based Indian communities who follow these developments closely, influencing their political sentiments and potential engagement in diaspora politics.

Businesses and jobs

The political climate in Maharashtra could impact businesses, especially those with ties to Mumbai. A stable government is often seen as crucial for investment and job creation, which could be a topic of interest for UK businesses operating in India.

Policy and regulation

The evolving political landscape may prompt discussions about foreign policy and trade relations between the UK and India, especially if there are significant changes in governance or policy priorities following the elections.

Numbers that matter

1: Number of significant alliances formed ahead of the BMC polls with Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS.
1,000: Estimated number of seats contested in the BMC elections, making it a crucial battleground.
50%: The proportion of voters in Mumbai reportedly leaning towards NDA, according to recent surveys.

Definitions and jargon buster

BMC: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the governing civic body of Mumbai.
NDA: National Democratic Alliance, a coalition of centre-right political parties in India.
TMC: Trinamool Congress, a major political party in West Bengal led by Mamata Banerjee.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Voters will be closely monitoring the strategies of both the NDA and the alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS as the BMC elections approach. The BJP is likely to ramp up its campaign efforts in response to the alliance.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-elections, the impact of the results on local governance and political dynamics in Maharashtra will become clearer, influencing state and national politics. Observers should look for changes in BJP's approach if they secure a majority.

Signals to watch

Polling data leading up to the BMC elections.
Public responses to campaign messages from both alliances.
Media coverage of the elections and voter turnout rates.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the candidates and their manifestos.
Engage in discussions within your community about the implications of the elections.

Don’t

Don't ignore the importance of local elections in shaping governance.
Don't let biases cloud your understanding of the political landscape.

Checklist

Review party manifestos before the elections.
Follow developments on social media for real-time updates.
Participate in community forums to discuss electoral issues.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Political alliances can be volatile. The true motivations behind the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS alliance may not be fully transparent. Additionally, public sentiment can shift rapidly, making it difficult to predict electoral outcomes accurately.

Bottom line

The BJP's critique of the alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS reveals the intense political maneuvering ahead of the BMC elections. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the focus will be on how these alliances influence their decisions and the future governance of Mumbai.

FAQs

What is the significance of the BMC elections?

The BMC elections are crucial as they determine the governance of Mumbai, impacting local policies and development initiatives.

Why did BJP criticise Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS?

BJP criticises the alliance as a sign of desperation, claiming it is an attempt to protect their political stakes in light of shifting voter sentiment towards the NDA.

How does this political situation affect UK residents?

While indirectly, the political dynamics in Maharashtra could influence UK-based Indian communities' engagement and perceptions regarding their homeland's politics.