Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday struck a sharp political note ahead of the upcoming municipal corporation elections, stating that the Bharatiya Janata Party has stepped into the civic poll arena with a clear ideological mission. Addressing party workers at an event in Mumbai, Fadnavis said the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is fighting the elections to safeguard Mumbai and defeat what he termed a “jihadi mindset”.

Declaring confidence in the alliance’s prospects, the chief minister said the BJP aims to secure control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and hoist the Mahayuti flag when results are announced on January 16. Emphasising Mumbai’s importance, he said the party was contesting for the people of India’s financial capital and was determined to deliver a decisive mandate.

Fadnavis reiterated that the BJP is firmly aligned with Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, calling it a core partner within the Mahayuti, alongside the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party. He dismissed speculation of any rift, stressing that the BJP and Shiv Sena are jointly contesting the civic elections with a unified strategy.

Addressing internal party dynamics, Fadnavis acknowledged that ticket distribution often leads to disappointment but urged party workers to prioritise organisational goals over individual ambitions. He said winning elections requires collective effort and discipline, regardless of whether one is a candidate or not.

“Whether someone gets a ticket or not, the responsibility remains the same—to work for the party and meet the expectations of Mumbai’s people,” he said, appealing for unity and warning against internal resentment.

The remarks come in the backdrop of the Mahayuti’s strong showing in recent municipal council and nagar panchayat elections held earlier this month. The ruling alliance dominated those polls, winning a majority of local body leadership posts across the state.