BJP's Thane Strategy: Will Shinde Faction Be Outmaneuvered in Mumbai?

• In Thane Municipal Corporation elections, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena won 75 seats, securing dominance.
• BJP, despite being an alliance partner, declared readiness to sit in opposition, citing need for 'control' over power.
• Mahayuti (Grand Alliance) secured 103 out of 131 seats in Thane, with BJP winning 28 seats, an increase from 2017.
• BJP leaders stated they would not initiate discussions for the mayoral post, signaling internal alliance conflict.
• Political speculation suggests BJP's Thane move aims to weaken Shinde, allowing BJP greater control in Mumbai.

Why It Matters: BJP's aggressive stance in Thane against ally Shinde hints at a larger power play for Mumbai.