Mumbai: The political landscape in Maharashtra is heating up as municipal elections approach, with all parties putting in significant efforts to secure the Mumbai Mayor’s position. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed confidence that the Mayor will emerge from the ruling Maha Yuti coalition, making intriguing comments on the selection process during a national media event.
Fadnavis stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) adheres to a philosophy of prioritizing the nation, emphasizing that the Mumbai Mayor’s seat has been reserved for Marathi Hindus. He drew parallels with Chennai, noting that people there naturally expect a Tamil mayor when municipal elections are held. Likewise, he asserted that the Mayor of Mumbai will be someone from the Marathi community. The Chief Minister’s assertions about the Maha Yuti coalition’s prospects for the Mayor’s position have sparked considerable interest.
In his remarks, Fadnavis proudly identified himself as a Hindu and a Marathi individual, dismissing any notions of discrimination against Marathi people. He pointed out that all those who have settled in Mumbai from other states are essentially residents of the city. Furthermore, he made a strong statement, asserting that he would not accept even a single Bangladeshi national to reside in Mumbai, which has made his comments particularly noteworthy in the current political climate.
On the other side of the political spectrum, AIMIM leader Waris Pathan publicly declared during an event that the Mumbai Mayor’s seat rightfully belongs to his party, asserting that a Muslim individual will hold the position. This statement adds another layer of complexity to an already competitive race for the Mayor’s office, highlighting the contrasting visions of the city’s leadership.
Amidst these political discussions, Fadnavis also addressed traffic issues in Delhi and Mumbai. He confidently stated that Mumbai’s traffic is much better than that of Delhi, noting that people in Mumbai adhere to traffic rules with great discipline and do not break lines. He contrasted this with the chaotic traffic conditions in Delhi, where cars are often seen jostling for space on the roads. Fadnavis emphasized that such scenarios are not observed in Mumbai.
The Chief Minister pointed out the efficiency of the city’s public transport systems, ranging from suburban trains to the metro, asserting that all travel can be planned using a single app. He clarified that residents could use one ticket to access any form of public transport, showcasing the integrated nature of Mumbai’s transit system.
As the municipal elections in Mumbai are set to take place on the 15th of this month, the results will be announced on January 16th. The political atmosphere is charged with the Thackeray brothers contesting, alongside the Maha Yuti coalition, leading to intense competition between the two factions. With all eyes on who will clinch the Mayor’s seat, the anticipation continues to build in this vibrant metropolis.
