Twenty-nine newly elected corporators of the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who had been confined to a five-star Mumbai hotel since January 17 following the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results, are set to leave the premises. The party had retained their original documents, including Aadhaar cards and winning certificates, to prevent defections and poaching attempts during ongoing negotiations over the Mumbai mayoral post and key committee positions. The corporators, frustrated by their confinement and inability to celebrate their victory, had been awaiting the official gazette notification before proceeding to present their certificates at the Divisional Commissioner’s office.

The Shinde Sena holds 29 corporators, and together with the BJP’s seats, they have secured a majority in the 227-member BMC. Under municipal law, corporators can switch parties until the formal formation of the “gat” (group), which restricts defections unless a significant split occurs. By withholding original documents, the Shinde faction ensured loyalty and minimized the risk of defections. However, the party has decided to temporarily postpone the “gat” formation as Shinde Sena General Secretary Rahul Shewale heads to Delhi to discuss alliances and mayoral candidates with senior BJP leaders.