BMC Election 2026: Amit Thackeray takes dig at Shiv Sena's hotel politics, says, 'Are the corporators missing'

While taking it to social media platform X, Amit Thackeray shared a virtually animated picture of Shiv Sena corporators along with the caption, “Are the councilors ‘missing’?” The remark by Amit Thackeray is widely seen as a jibe at the Shiv Sena’s strategy of housing elected representatives in hotels to prevent defections and manage numbers.

नगरसेवक ‘बेपत्ता’ आहेत?

निकाल लागल्यावर खरं तर लोकप्रतिनिधींनी आपल्या प्रभागात जाऊन जनतेचे आभार मानायला हवे होते, लोकांच्या समस्या सोडवायला सुरुवात करायला हवी होती. पण दुर्दैवाने, ज्यांना जनतेने निवडून दिलंय, ते आज फाईव्ह स्टार हॉटेलच्या बंद दाराआड ‘आनंदाने’ कैद आहेत. pic.twitter.com/cmNssmCDq4

— Amit Thackeray (@amitrthackeray) January 20, 2026

Expanding his criticism of Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, Amit Thackeray said that once elections are over, elected representatives should return to their wards to thank voters and begin addressing civic issues.

The MNS leader also added,  “After being elected, representatives should actually go back to their wards, meet the people and start solving their problems. But unfortunately, those whom the public has elected are today ‘happily’ imprisoned behind the closed doors of five-star hotels.”

Amit Thackeray’s remarks come at a time when political scenarios in Mumbai remain volatile following the 2026 BMC elections and the BJP’s alliance with the Shiv Sena. 

Amit Thackeray’s cryptic post in social media platform X also underscores growing public criticism of what is often termed as “ hotel politics,” where corporators are kept in a hotel to safeguard party strength.

Amit Thackeray positioned the MNS as voicing public sentiment against power-centric politics, stressing that elected representatives should prioritise grassroots governance over political manipulation. 

Shiv Sena’s clarification on 'hotel politics'

Clarifying the moving of Shiv Sena corporators in a hotel, Yuva Sena General Secretary Amey Ghole stated, “This is to ensure corporators begin work immediately and live up to the trust placed in us by the people.”

Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray had said his party could install a mayor “if God wills.” On the contrary, Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis noted that the decision on the mayor post would be taken collectively by him, Deputy CM Shinde, and party leaders. 

Shiv Sena leaders further said that the mayor of Mumbai will be from the Mahayuti alliance comprising the BJP and Shiv Sena, with a final decision to be taken collectively by senior leaders of the allied parties.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!