Shiv Sena and BJP Engage in War of Words Over Mumbai Mayor's Post

The war of words between the two major allies of the Mahayuti, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the BJP, has intensified over the mayoral post of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Shiv Sena Shinde faction leader Ameya Ghole has claimed that the power-sharing formula has already been decided and after two and a half years, the mayoral post will come to the Shiv Sena for a year and a half. However, BJP leader and cabinet minister of the Maharashtra government Ashish Shelar has maintained suspense by stating that the issue is a matter of formal discussion. Ameya Ghole claimed that after the formation of a full majority government, there were talks between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at the Chief Minister's official residence Varsha Bungalow. According to Ghole, it was decided in the meeting that the mayoral post will remain with the BJP for two and a half years, then the Shiv Sena for a year and then the last year and a half. He also claimed that the formula for sharing of committees and other posts was also decided in the same meeting.