Dahi Handi Stage Turns Political: Fadnavis Assures BMC Change, Slams Thackeray Camp

by Webdesk
16 Aug 2025

Fadnavis Signals Inevitable Change in BMC, Uses Dahi Handi Stage to Target Thackeray Camp

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday sharpened his political attack against the Shiv Sena (UBT), declaring that a sweeping transformation in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is bound to happen. For over two decades, the civic body has remained under the control of the Thackeray faction, but Fadnavis made it clear that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is determined to take charge in the upcoming elections.

The remarks came at the Parivartan Dahi Handi celebration held at Worli’s Jamboree Ground — the very constituency represented by Shiv Sena-UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray. Transforming a cultural platform into a political stage, Fadnavis portrayed the festival as symbolic of Mahayuti’s readiness to end years of corruption and usher in accountability and progress in Mumbai’s civic administration.

“We have shattered the pot of sin inside the Municipal Corporation,” Fadnavis declared. “Now, we are preparing to place a pot of development there. And whatever butter lies inside this new pot will reach the common citizens, not a select few.”

Although he avoided taking Uddhav Thackeray’s name directly, the pointed remarks left little room for doubt. Addressing reporters after the event, the Chief Minister said with emphasis: “Everyone knows where the butter used to go — and who was feasting on it.” The comment was a thinly veiled reference to the alleged mismanagement and corruption during the long period of Sena dominance in the BMC.

Dismissal of UBT-MNS Alliance Speculation

In addition to attacking the Shiv Sena (UBT), Fadnavis downplayed the possibility of Uddhav Thackeray’s faction joining hands with Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for the civic elections. According to him, such combinations would not pose any serious challenge to Mahayuti, as the alliance has both public trust and organizational strength firmly on its side.

He was accompanied at the Worli event by Mumbai BJP President Ashish Shelar, who echoed the same message. Both leaders insisted that the Mahayuti is not only offering development and accountability but also aiming to restore cultural pride in the city — something, they alleged, was undermined under the Thackeray-led rule.

Restoring Cultural Freedom

Taking another swipe at the Thackeray camp, Fadnavis pointed to the restrictions placed on Dahi Handi and Ganesh Utsav during the COVID-19 pandemic years. He argued that his government had lifted unnecessary curbs, allowing people to once again celebrate traditional festivals with full enthusiasm.

“Today, there’s unmatched excitement everywhere. Even the heavy rains cannot wash away the energy of our Govindas,” the Chief Minister remarked, highlighting the symbolic importance of cultural freedom alongside political transformation.

Aggressive Outreach Before Civic Polls

With crucial civic body elections around the corner in Mumbai, Thane, and Bhiwandi, the Mahayuti alliance has planned a massive outreach campaign. On Saturday itself, Fadnavis was scheduled to attend at least 14 Dahi Handi events across the city and its suburbs. His deputy, CM Eknath Shinde, was expected to visit more than 20 such celebrations, showcasing the ruling coalition’s effort to directly connect with people at the grassroots level.

The aggressive public presence is part of a carefully crafted strategy to dismantle the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s long-standing dominance in Mumbai’s civic affairs. For nearly 25 years, the undivided Shiv Sena held control of the BMC, considered the country’s wealthiest municipal corporation. Mahayuti leaders now believe that the time has come for a political shift that aligns the city’s civic administration with the state government’s developmental agenda.

Change No Longer a Question of ‘If’

Senior leaders of the ruling alliance — including Fadnavis, Shinde, and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar — have consistently stated that change in the BMC is not a matter of speculation but an inevitability. Addressing supporters, Fadnavis reiterated that the public has grown tired of corruption and inefficiency and is looking forward to a new chapter of governance.

“This change is not optional. It is certain,” he told the crowd, framing the upcoming civic polls as a decisive moment for Mumbai’s future.

Through the symbolism of breaking the Dahi Handi — traditionally a test of teamwork and perseverance — Fadnavis and his allies sought to send a strong political message: that Mahayuti will rise together to topple decades of entrenched power and replace it with a renewed promise of development, transparency, and cultural pride.

Image Courtesy:

02 Jan 2026

BMC Elections

Dahi Handi Stage Turns Political: Fadnavis Assures BMC Change, Slams Thackeray Camp

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