If there hadn’t been Jaichands, even 100 generations of BJP would not have been able to win: Sanjay Raut

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday made a sharp remark against the BJP, alleging internal betrayal within his party during the municipal polls.

“If there hadn’t been Jaichands, even 100 generations of the BJP would not have been able to win the mayoral seat in Mumbai,” Raut said, referring to alleged traitors within his party who, he claimed, helped the BJP secure its victory.

Speaking about the election results, Raut told IANS that while the outcomes across Maharashtra had been declared, the party had focussed primarily on Mumbai, the state capital.

“The BJP has won more seats than us, so naturally their candidate will become the mayor. However, some people from within our own party acted like Jaichand, and that ultimately benefited the BJP,” he stated.

Despite the setback, Raut maintained that Shiv Sena (UBT) continues to have a strong presence in the state legislature. “We still have good strength in the Assembly now,” he told IANS.

Meanwhile, the BJP-led alliance has swept the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, with the Thackerays losing grip on Mumbai’s civic body after 25 years. The Mahayuti has come to power in 25 out of 29 civic bodies across Maharashtra.

The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance has emerged victorious in 118 wards in the BMC. While the BJP won in 89 wards, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena bagged victory in 29 wards. The majority mark is 114.

The Thackeray cousins failed to retain control of the country’s richest civic body, winning in just 71 wards. While Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena won in 65 wards, Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) won in six wards.

In the BMC, whose annual budget exceeds Rs 74,400 crore, there were 1,700 candidates for 227 seats in the elections that were held after a delay of many years.

The overall figures for 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra also tilt in the BJP’s favour. A statewide tally shows the BJP has won in 1,425 out of 2,869 wards, while ally Shiv Sena, led by Shinde, emerged victorious in 399.

IANS