The MNS decision is being seen as a setback for Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), particularly as the two parties had fought the BMC elections together on January 15
The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena had contested the civic polls as part of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. File Pic
Days after conclusion of the Maharashtra local body elections, a fresh political alignment has emerged in Maharashtra’s Thane district, with the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) extending support to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), reported the PTI.
The Shiv Sena had contested the civic polls as part of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance.
The development was confirmed on Wednesday by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, although local MNS leaders could not be reached for comment.
The MNS decision is being seen as a setback for Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), particularly as the two parties had fought the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections together on January 15.
Numbers firmly favour Mahayuti
According to the PTI, the 122-member KDMC has produced a decisive mandate in favour of the Mahayuti combine. The Shiv Sena has emerged as the single largest party with 53 seats, followed closely by the BJP with 50 seats.
The MNS has secured five seats.
With MNS support, the Mahayuti’s tally now stands at an overwhelming 108 seats. In contrast, Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) have won 11, two and one seats respectively, reported the PTI.
MNS support limited to Shiv Sena
Speaking outside the Divisional Commissioner’s office, Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde said the 53 Shiv Sena corporators had formally submitted a letter regarding the formation of their group in the civic body.
Clarifying the nature of the support, he said, “Five corporators of the MNS, who have formed their own group, have declared support to the Shiv Sena. This support is strictly between the Shiv Sena and the MNS, and not extended to any other party,” according to the PTI.
Mayor to be from Mahayuti
Addressing questions on why additional support was needed despite contesting alongside the BJP, Shinde said the mayor’s post would remain within the Mahayuti fold.
“Any party that supports the Shiv Sena is welcome,” he added, stating that the MNS had extended support in the interest of stability and development.
‘Development should be collective’
Eknath Shinde suggested that the MNS leadership may believe that development requires unity across parties. Referring to local MNS leader and former MLA Raju Patil, he said, “He is my friend,” as per the PTI.
He further indicated that even corporators from Shiv Sena (UBT) could extend support in the future. “Whoever supports development will be taken along. If everyone comes together, there will be no hurdles, and governance will remain stable and smooth.”
No decision yet on key civic posts
Shinde clarified that discussions on posts such as mayor, deputy mayor or committee chairpersons have not yet taken place.
“These decisions lie with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and BJP state president Ravindra Chavan. They are expected to meet soon, after which the modalities will be finalised,” he said, the news agency reported.
Mayor elections in KDMC and UMC
In KDMC, the mayor will be elected as a Mahayuti candidate comprising the Shiv Sena, BJP and MNS. In neighbouring Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC), the Shiv Sena, BJP, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), Secular Alliance of India (SAI) and independents will jointly elect the mayor.
Asked about Mumbai, Shinde said any party would be pleased if the Shiv Sena secured the mayor’s post in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
Overall, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has now formed administrations in 25 of Maharashtra’s 29 municipal corporations, underlining its growing dominance in urban local bodies.
(with PTI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
