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BMC’s Era of Change Begins, Says CM Fadnavis — BJP Ready to End Years of Loot at Civic Body
- by Webdesk
- 16 Aug 2025
Source: The Indian Express
Fadnavis Declares ‘Change in BMC Inevitable’, Targets Thackeray Faction at Dahi Handi Celebrations
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday reiterated that a “parivartan” (change) in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections is unavoidable, asserting that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is prepared to dislodge those who misused power and betrayed the people of Mumbai.
Speaking at the Dahi Handi festival at Jambori Maidan in Worli, Fadnavis marked the celebrations by breaking a symbolic earthen pot and used the moment to highlight his party’s political message. “In the coming BMC polls, we will bring in a real change by replacing those who failed the city and looted its citizens,” he said to loud applause from the gathering.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the BJP, along with its alliance partners in the Mahayuti, would overcome the combined challenge posed by Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). According to him, the people of Mumbai would ultimately support the politics of development over accusations and corruption.
“We are sure that Mumbaikars will judge us based on our work and vision. Our focus has been on development, and we remain committed to serving the people,” he said.
Listing several ongoing mega-infrastructure projects as testimony to the government’s work, Fadnavis highlighted the Coastal Road, Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), Navi Mumbai International Airport, BDD Chawl redevelopment, and multiple Metro railway lines as achievements that prove the BJP-led government’s resolve to transform Mumbai.
For nearly 30 years, the Shiv Sena has held control over the BMC, with the party’s dominance in Mumbai civic politics shaping the city’s administration. In the 2017 elections, despite contesting separately, the undivided Shiv Sena managed to secure 84 seats, while the BJP came close with 82 seats. That contest, however, exposed growing strains between the two former allies. With the next civic polls approaching, observers expect a bitterly fought election, with both camps preparing aggressively to gain an upper hand.
At Ghatkopar, during another Dahi Handi event organised by BJP MLA Ram Kadam, Fadnavis once again drew a sharp political parallel. He praised the theme of the celebration, which was dedicated to India’s Armed Forces. “This Dahi Handi in Ghatkopar is dedicated to our soldiers. It is a tribute to their bravery and courage. When Pakistan tried to test India, our forces gave them a fitting reply by crossing into their territory and destroying terror camps,” he said.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, the retaliatory strike carried out under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Fadnavis called it a landmark moment in India’s defence history. “This theme has been aptly chosen. It is a salute to all the brave hearts who fought with courage and made the nation proud,” the Chief Minister added.
The Dahi Handi celebration, closely associated with Krishna Janmashtami, is among Maharashtra’s most vibrant festivals. Organised annually across various neighbourhoods, the festival brings together communities, with young boys and girls forming human pyramids to break clay pots filled with milk, curd, and butter. The group that succeeds in breaking the pot earns the title of winners, while the event itself symbolizes teamwork, courage, and the playful spirit of Lord Krishna.
State BJP president Ravindra Chavan also underlined the festival’s unifying power. “Dahi Handi is not only a cultural celebration, it brings together people from all classes, castes, and even political leanings. It’s about joy, community, and tradition,” he said.
According to the schedule released by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Fadnavis was expected to attend 14 Dahi Handi celebrations across Mumbai and Thane on Saturday alone. His stops included Worli, Bhoiwada, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Raghunathnagar in Thane, Tembhinaka in Thane, Bhiwandi, Dahisar, and Borivali. Notably, four of these major celebrations in Thane were organised by leaders of the Shiv Sena, underscoring the political significance of the festival season ahead of the civic polls.
By blending cultural festivities with sharp political messaging, Fadnavis and the BJP-led Mahayuti signaled their intent to take the fight for Mumbai’s civic body directly into the heart of Shiv Sena’s traditional strongholds. For the Chief Minister, the symbolism of breaking the pot was not only about Dahi Handi — it was also about smashing the decades-old dominance of the Thackeray-led faction in Mumbai’s municipal corporation.
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