Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, questioning its strategy and intent in the ongoing battle for the Mayor’s post in Mumbai. Addressing a press conference, Raut alleged that despite lacking a clear mandate, the BJP is determined to install its own Mayor through pressure tactics.

Raut claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants a BJP Mayor in Mumbai but has not clarified the political arithmetic behind the demand. He pointed out that the BJP does not enjoy an absolute majority in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and therefore has no straightforward claim to the Mayor’s chair.

Escalating his criticism, Raut alleged that corporators from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction have been confined at a luxury hotel in Mumbai to prevent political defections. Drawing a sharp analogy, he said the Taj Lands End hotel had effectively been converted into a jail, with elected representatives being kept under watch.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader questioned the need for such measures, especially when the BJP holds power at the Centre and has a strong government in Maharashtra under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. According to Raut, the alleged confinement reflects insecurity within the ruling alliance rather than political strength.

He further argued that if the BJP and its allies were confident of support, there would be no need to “lock up” corporators. Raut’s remarks add to the intensifying political sparring in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai, where control of the country’s richest civic body has become a high-stakes prestige battle.