BMC elections 2026: Mahayuti has shut down all businesses of Uddhav, Raj Thackeray, says Ramdas Athawale

Ramdas Athawale. File Pic

Ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Union Minister and Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief Ramdas Athawale asserted that the Mahayuti has "shut down" all the businesses of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, reported news agency ANI.

‘Fadnavis and Shinde together shut down their politics'

Addressing a public gathering in Mumbai on Saturday, Ramdas Athawale said, "Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde have come together, and Mahayuti together has shut down all the businesses of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray," reported ANI.

Denies displeasure within Mahayuti over seat-sharing

He further stated that he has "no displeasure" with anyone, after previously expressing discontent within the Mahayuti alliance over seat-sharing for the BMC elections.

Mahayuti credited for development works in Mumbai

Athawale said that the Mahayuti has undertaken major initiatives for the people of Mumbai by providing them with houses.

"The Mahayuti has done many works for the people of Mumbai. The government has worked to provide houses to people. The statues of Babasaheb Ambedkar were (also) built," he added, reported ANI.

BJP leader meets Athawale amid alliance concerns

On Tuesday, BJP MLC Pravin Darekar met Athawale at his residence in Mumbai's Bandra to address growing discontent, reported ANI.

"Pravin Darekar came and said that he understands our displeasure. The CM also called me this morning, and Pravin Darekar came with his message," Athawale said, reported ANI.

‘Will teach lesson to self-interested opposition,' says CM

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that the upcoming BMC elections will be "life-changing" for Mumbai and its people.

While addressing a gathering at the NSCI Dome in Worli, he criticised the opposition, saying that the Mahayuti will "teach a lesson" to those who care only about their self-interest.

"We launched our BMC election campaign by breaking a coconut. This election will be a life-changing one for the people of Mumbai and for Mumbai itself. We have to teach a lesson to those who only care about their self-interest," he said, reported ANI.

Polling for 29 municipal corporation elections across the state, including Mumbai, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, will be held on January 15, with vote counting scheduled for January 16.

(With inputs from ANI)