Sanjay Raut Claims Eknath Shinde Has Rs 10,000 Budget for Mumbai Municipal Election

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has criticised Eknath Shinde’s campaign budget for the Mumbai Municipal Corporation election, claiming it is limited to just Rs 10,000.

Mumbai, December 18, 2025 – Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has sparked political debate by claiming that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s camp is operating with a campaign budget of just Rs 10,000 for the upcoming Mumbai Municipal Corporation election. Raut’s remarks came amid intensifying political rhetoric as parties prepare for one of the city’s most closely watched local polls.

Raut made the statement at a public gathering where he criticised the ruling faction’s approach to election preparations. He said that the alleged minimal campaign budget reflects a lack of organisation and confidence within Shinde’s team. According to Raut, such a low figure would be insufficient to manage a full-scale campaign across all 227 wards in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Political analysts note that Raut’s comments are part of a broader strategy by opposition leaders to cast doubt on the strength and readiness of the Shinde faction ahead of the civic election. The Mumbai Municipal Corporation is one of the richest and most influential local bodies in India, with a massive budget and responsibility for urban services such as public health, sanitation, infrastructure and transportation. Winning control of the corporation has significant political and administrative implications.

Shinde’s supporters have responded to Raut’s claim by dismissing it as political rhetoric. They argue that campaign budgets are confidential and strategically determined, and that public statements about specific figures should not be taken at face value. According to his camp, the focus should remain on issues that matter to voters, such as road conditions, water supply, waste management and local development projects.

Raut’s criticism comes at a time when Mumbai’s political landscape is evolving rapidly. With several parties vying for influence and alliances forming and reforming, public discourse has foregrounded not just local governance issues but also broader questions about leadership, transparency and party organisation. Opposition leaders have used the opportunity to question the priorities and preparedness of the ruling faction as the election draws closer.

In his remarks, Raut also emphasised that effective campaigning requires not just financial resources but also a clear connection with grassroots concerns. He said that voters are more interested in concrete plans for civic improvement than in flashy advertising or large-scale spending. According to him, opposition parties are tapping into citizen frustrations over persistent urban issues and are ready to present a strong alternative agenda.

Meanwhile, supporters of the current government in Maharashtra assert that budget figures for campaign activities are misrepresented and that effective use of resources depends on organisational discipline rather than headline figures. They say that genuine engagement with voters, clear policy messaging and targeted outreach are more critical to electoral success than public discussions about specific monetary amounts.

Political commentators say that Raut’s claim is likely aimed at generating buzz and framing the narrative ahead of official campaign launches. Budget figures, whether accurate or exaggerated, tend to ignite debate and force rival camps to respond, thereby keeping the election in public focus.

As election season intensifies, political communication in Mumbai is expected to become more assertive, with leaders on all sides highlighting achievements, questioning opponents and shaping public perceptions. The debate over campaign budgets and organisational strength is one of many themes likely to influence voter sentiment in the coming weeks.

For now, Sanjay Raut’s comments have added energy to the political conversation in Mumbai, signalling that the civic election will unfold against a backdrop of strategic messaging, sharp criticism and closely watched campaign developments.

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