Raut laid bare the electoral math: no single party clinched a majority in the BMC polls. Claims of BJP dominance seem ‘out of syllabus,’ he remarked, questioning the feasibility amid coalition complexities.

He lambasted the hotel strategy as a sign of deep insecurity. ‘Shinde’s 20-25 corporators fled to a hotel right after results. Other guests feel trapped – is this acceptable in Maharashtra politics?’ Raut asked, urging a public accounting of the fears prompting such measures.

Under BJP’s state rule, with a BJP CM at the helm, the need for hotel hideouts baffles Raut. ‘Our councilors visit Matoshree openly, discuss freely, and leave without fear. What’s haunting them?’ he probed.

Any mayor emerging from this setup would lack legitimacy, Raut warned, predicting a short shelf-life. As negotiations rage behind closed doors – or hotel suites – Raut’s rhetoric underscores the fragile power dynamics shaping Mumbai’s governance future.