Aaditya Thackeray Slams Ashish Shelar Over BJP’s Mumbai BMC Election Strategy

BMC Aaditya Thackeray sharply criticised BJP leader Ashish Shelar for his remarks and approach to the Mumbai Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election, intensifying political debate ahead of the polls.

Pune, December 20, 2025 – Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has taken aim at BJP leader Ashish Shelar, sharply criticising his comments and approach to the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election. Thackeray’s response adds another layer of intensity to the already heated political atmosphere surrounding one of Maharashtra’s most closely watched local polls.

In recent public statements, Shelar, a senior BJP leader and former Maharashtra unit chief, articulated his party’s perspective on the civic election in India’s largest municipal body. He has been vocal about the BJP’s plans and expectations for the polls, asserting confidence in the party’s campaign strategy and organisational strength. Shelar’s remarks were aimed at projecting the BJP as a leading contender in the BMC election, citing governance achievements and development narratives.

Aaditya Thackeray countered these claims, saying that Shelar’s statements overlook critical civic issues facing Mumbai residents. During a political event in Pune, Thackeray accused the BJP of focusing on political posturing rather than addressing everyday challenges such as water supply, traffic congestion, waste management and urban infrastructure. He argued that political rhetoric should give way to tangible solutions that improve the quality of life for citizens.

Thackeray’s critique reflects broader campaign themes from the Shiv Sena (UBT) camp, which has tried to frame the BMC election as a choice between people-centric governance and what it describes as superficial political promises. He also challenged the BJP’s narrative by highlighting gaps between policy announcements and on-ground implementation in previous terms, urging voters to assess parties on delivery, not slogans.

Political observers say Thackeray’s comments are likely to resonate with parts of the electorate that feel civic services have not kept pace with Mumbai’s rapid growth. Mumbai’s residents regularly face issues related to transportation, housing, sanitation and public health, and opposition leaders often emphasise these matters to draw contrast with the ruling camp’s priorities.

The exchange between Thackeray and Shelar comes as parties across Maharashtra are intensifying their election campaigns. With multiple municipal corporations and local bodies across the state going to polls, urban governance issues have taken centre stage. In Mumbai, control of the BMC carries not only administrative significance but also symbolic political weight, as its budget and scope of activities directly affect millions of citizens.

Supporters of the BJP welcomed Shelar’s confidence, saying strong leadership and prior administrative experience position the party well for the election. They argue that civic development achievements, including infrastructure projects and public service initiatives, form a credible basis for their campaign.

Meanwhile, leaders from the Shiv Sena (UBT) have been touring city wards, meeting residents and outlining their vision for improved civic services. Thackeray emphasised that community engagement and responsiveness to local needs will be the cornerstones of his party’s campaign strategy.

The political back-and-forth between Thackeray and Shelar has also stirred wide debate on social media, where supporters from both camps have been active. Many users highlight policy comparisons, while others focus on leadership qualities and campaign promises. Analysts say such discussions reflect growing public engagement with local governance issues ahead of election day.

As the BMC election approaches, political parties are expected to continue sharpening their messaging and mobilising support at the grassroots level. For voters, the discourse is likely to remain focused on how effectively civic leaders can address practical concerns while maintaining transparency and accountability in municipal administration.

Aaditya Thackeray’s critique of Ashish Shelar underscores the competitive nature of the campaign, with key leaders staking out contrasting visions for Mumbai’s governance. Whether voters respond more to service delivery narratives or to competing political platforms will play a major role in shaping the outcome of the election.

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