As the power tussle over Mumbai’s civic body intensifies, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is preparing to take an important organisational step by naming the leader of its municipal party on Monday. The decision is aimed at tightening internal coordination and safeguarding the party’s strength at a time when negotiations over the Mumbai Mayor’s post have reached a decisive stage.

As per media reports indicate that all 29 elected Shiv Sena corporators have been brought together at a five-star hotel in Bandra for strategic discussions. Senior leaders are holding closed-door meetings with the corporators, while procedural formalities related to party affiliation and documentation are also being completed to avoid any future disputes or legal complications.

The appointment of the group leader is expected to play a key role in shaping the party’s stand within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This leader will act as the main link between the Shiv Sena and its alliance partner, the BJP, and will represent the party during crucial negotiations in the civic body.

According to political circles, a few prominent names are being considered for the post, including Yamini Jadhav, Trishna Vishwasrao and Amey Ghole, all of whom are seen as energetic leaders with organisational experience. However, party leaders have maintained silence, stating that the final call will be taken by the top leadership.

In the recently concluded BMC elections, the BJP emerged as the largest party with 89 seats, while the Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 29 seats. Together, the alliance enjoys a comfortable majority of 118 corporators in the 227-member House. Despite the numbers, the question of who will occupy the mayor’s chair has become a sensitive issue, with both allies keen to assert their dominance.

For Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, securing a prominent role in the BMC is seen as crucial to reinforcing his leadership and strengthening his claim to the Shiv Sena’s political legacy. The BJP, meanwhile, is eager to break past trends by installing its first-ever Mayor of Mumbai.

The Sena’s decision to keep corporators together has drawn sharp reactions from the opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have mocked the move as “hotel politics,” suggesting it reflects insecurity within the ruling alliance. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut alleged that several newly elected corporators could still be vulnerable to pressure.