Tensions have surfaced within the ruling Mahayuti alliance ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections after Union Minister and Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief Ramdas Athawale openly voiced his dissatisfaction with the seat-sharing formula finalised by the alliance.

In a strongly worded message shared on social media, Athawale said his party, despite standing firmly with the Mahayuti from the very beginning, had been pushed to the sidelines during crucial negotiations. He described the process as disrespectful and said it had deeply hurt the morale and dignity of RPI workers who have consistently supported the alliance.

Athawale also alleged that an important coordination meeting scheduled on Monday afternoon was abruptly ignored by alliance partners. According to him, the missed meeting was not just a procedural lapse but an insult at a time when preparations for the civic polls should have been handled with sensitivity and mutual respect. He made it clear that any form of humiliation directed at party workers would not be accepted.

Signalling growing unease within the alliance, Athawale said he would stand by whatever decision his party cadre takes in response to the situation, hinting at possible political repercussions if grievances remain unaddressed.

The remarks come soon after the Mahayuti finalised its BMC seat distribution, under which the BJP is set to contest a majority of the wards, while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena will fight the remaining seats. Though space has reportedly been left for smaller allies within these quotas, details remain undisclosed.

With the State Election Commission announcing that polling for all 227 BMC seats will take place on January 15, 2026, followed by counting the next day, Athawale’s comments have exposed cracks within the alliance at a critical juncture, raising questions about unity as Mumbai heads into a high-stakes civic battle.