By: Express News ServiceMumbai | September 28, 2025 10:26 PM IST 3 min readEknath Shinde also emphasized that the alliance will maintain proper respect and coordination while deciding seat allocations. (File)Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday said that Mahayuti alliance’s saffron flag will fly over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) after the upcoming civic elections, and that victory was more important than the number of seats contested. He said the alliance is determined to have its mayor in Mumbai and the seat-sharing will be based on elective merit.“Seats should only be contested where victory is certain. Mahayuti’s saffron flag will fly over the municipal corporation only if this principle is followed. Holding seats just for numbers is not appropriate. Elective merit will be considered,” he said at a press conference after meeting Shiv Sena booth chiefs (Shakha Pramukhs).Adding that meetings will soon be held with Mahayuti coordinators, Shinde said, “Booth chiefs are always in touch with every resident in their area. They take the lead in addressing citizens’ problems and questions. This is why they are an important component of the Shiv Sena. Communicating with booth chiefs about their responsibilities during elections is not new, but understanding their challenges ensures they remain active. All our booth chiefs are now fully prepared and waiting for the elections. Whenever the polls come, they are ready to ensure the saffron flag of Mahayuti flies over Mumbai.”Stressing the importance of party workers in elections, the deputy CM said they are the ones who help candidates win. Shinde also emphasized that the alliance will maintain proper respect and coordination while deciding seat allocations. “The number of seats is not the priority. Our goal is clear—the saffron flag of Mahayuti over Mumbai Municipal Corporation,” he said.Referring to the alliance’s work, Shinde noted that during his tenure as Chief Minister, numerous development projects were implemented for Mumbai, and under Devendra Fadnavis, several other development works are going on. “It is due to these development works that the Mahayuti gained strong support in Assembly elections. Workers are crucial in communicating these achievements to the public, and this is what will ensure voters choose us,” he added.Shinde also criticised opponents, saying, “When our competitors lose elections, they blame EVMs, courts, or the Election Commission. They kept claiming that our government would fall or we would lose the Assembly elections. They even sought advice from astrologers but failed. The public has again given us a mandate. We will let opponents remain in their illusions while we stay committed to Maharashtra’s development,” he said.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd