Shinde-Led Shiv Sena to Contest Mumbai Bank Elections, Opening New Front with Ally BJP
The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is preparing to contest the upcoming elections for the Mumbai District Central Cooperative Bank (MDCCB), also known as the Mumbai Bank. This move is set to develop into another political tussle with its Mahayuti alliance partner, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The decision follows the Shiv Sena's recent success in the Thane-Palghar District Central Cooperative Bank elections held a couple of months ago. In that contest, the Eknath Shinde-backed Sahakar panel, which included members from the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, secured a comfortable victory by winning 16 out of 21 director posts. Buoyed by this outcome, the party is now turning its attention to the financial institution in Mumbai.
Shiv Sena Prepares for Individual Contest
The Mumbai Bank is currently led by chairman and MLA Pravin Darekar, while MLC Prasad Lad serves as one of its directors. Both leaders are considered close aides of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Despite this, the Shiv Sena has expressed its intention to field candidates across all categories.
Amey Ghole, a Shiv Sena corporator, confirmed the development, stating that the party plans to contest the bank election in all categories individually. Ghole clarified that the move is not intended as a direct challenge to the BJP, pointing out that their panel in the Thane Cooperative Bank election had included some BJP members. He emphasized that the Shiv Sena has the right to contest elections when it has viable candidates.
The election campaign will be conducted under the leadership of Member of Parliament Shrikant Shinde. Sachin Ahir, the deputy chairperson of the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha, confirmed that preparations are underway and a panel is being formed under Shrikant Shinde's leadership, noting that there is significant work to be done in the Mumbai Bank.
BJP Expresses Displeasure Over the Move
The Shiv Sena's plans have met with disapproval from the BJP. Pravin Darekar stated that the BJP's priority remains to contest any election as part of the Mahayuti alliance. However, he remarked that if some individuals are in a hurry, it cannot be helped. Darekar defended his record, stating that under his leadership and the guidance of Devendra Fadnavis, several beneficial schemes have been implemented at the bank, suggesting that jealousy has prompted others to create misunderstandings.
The elections for the cooperative bank are scheduled to take place later in December or January. The MDCCB is a highly valued institution in the region, boasting a working capital of Rs 10,282 crore and outstanding loans and advances of nearly Rs 6,437 crore. It disburses between Rs 600 crore and Rs 700 crore in annual loans and operates 50 branches across Mumbai.
Control of the bank carries significant political and administrative influence. The institution provides loans to the real estate sector, particularly to housing societies planning redevelopment, allowing controlling parties to establish direct connections with housing societies and Active Limiting Mediums (ALMs) in Mumbai. Additionally, the bank manages salary accounts, pensions, and loans for government employees.
Broader Tensions Within the Mahayuti Alliance
The contest for the Mumbai Bank is the latest in a series of friction points between the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the BJP. Recently, Eknath Shinde indicated that after Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde completes her 2.5-year tenure in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the Shiv Sena will claim the mayor's post for the subsequent 1.25 years. The BJP has remained silent on this claim, with cabinet minister Ashish Shelar declining to comment on off-record statements, noting that any formal decisions would be announced officially.
Furthermore, Shiv Sena sources indicate that the party is attempting to expand its strength in the state through "Operation Tiger." A Shiv Sena leader claimed that nearly 14 MLAs from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction are currently in talks to switch sides, along with several corporators in the BMC.
Policy disagreements have also surfaced between the allies. Recently, Devendra Fadnavis overturned a decision made by transport minister and Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik regarding Marathi language requirements for auto and taxi drivers. While Sarnaik had set a deadline of August 15 for drivers to learn basic Marathi, Fadnavis subsequently extended the deadline by one year.
