Mumbai Manthan 2026: Sanjay Raut Says Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena Is Run by Amit Shah

Political temperatures rose sharply at Mumbai Manthan 2026, Aaj Tak’s flagship conclave in Mumbai, as Sanjay Raut launched a direct attack on the ruling alliance in Maharashtra, alleging that the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde is being controlled by the BJP and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Speaking at the high-profile event ahead of the January 15 elections to 29 municipal corporations — including the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) — Raut asserted that the Shiv Sena cannot exist without the ideological and emotional legacy of Bal Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray.

“The party that carries the Shiv Sena name today is being remotely controlled. Decisions are not taken in Mumbai, they are taken elsewhere,” Raut said, claiming that the Shinde-led faction functions under the influence of the BJP’s central leadership.

Political Stakes Ahead of Civic Polls

Raut’s remarks come at a time when Maharashtra’s political landscape is intensely polarised, with civic body elections seen as a litmus test for all major parties. The BMC election, in particular, is viewed as a prestige battle, given Mumbai’s economic and political significance.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader emphasised that municipal elections are not merely about local governance but about preserving Maharashtra’s political identity. He argued that voters would decide whether Mumbai remains rooted in regional ideology or becomes a pawn in national power games.

Mumbai Manthan Draws Political Heavyweights

Mumbai Manthan 2026 witnessed participation from a wide range of leaders across political parties, underscoring the importance of the forum in shaping public discourse. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde are also scheduled to address the gathering, setting the stage for sharp political exchanges.

The conclave has brought together leaders from the BJP, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP factions, alongside voices from business, polling agencies and the entertainment industry. The presence of figures such as Aaditya Thackeray, Supriya Sule, and Praful Patel reflects the broad political spectrum represented at the event.

Identity, Power and the Shiv Sena Split

At the heart of Raut’s attack lies the ongoing battle over the Shiv Sena’s identity following the party split. He reiterated that symbols, names and legal recognition cannot replace grassroots loyalty and ideological continuity.

According to Raut, the upcoming civic polls will reveal whether the electorate accepts what he described as “engineered politics” or reaffirms faith in regional leadership. He accused the ruling dispensation of weakening democratic institutions by manipulating party structures for electoral gains.

A High-Voltage Run-Up to January 15

With campaigning intensifying across Maharashtra, statements made at Mumbai Manthan are expected to resonate beyond the event hall. The conclave has effectively turned into a pre-election battleground, offering leaders a national platform to influence urban voters.

As Mumbai and other cities prepare to vote, political rhetoric is likely to sharpen further, with identity, governance and control emerging as central themes. The Mumbai Manthan 2026 event has made one thing clear — the battle for Maharashtra’s civic bodies will be as political as it is local.