In a post-poll development that has sparked debate in state political circles, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has extended its support to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), strengthening its position to claim the mayor’s post.
The measure, which occurred days after the Party led by Raj Thackeray challenged the civic elections against the ruler Mahayuti, including the Shiv Sena— in Kalyan-Dombivli, has also raised questions about the durability of its alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT) across Maharashtra, and whether it was an attempt to keep the BJP out of power in the civic body.
The KDMC election had returned a fractured verdict. In the 122-member corporation, the Shiv Sena won 53 seats, far ahead of the BJP, which won 51. The majority mark is 62, making post-poll support crucial.
On Wednesday, Shiv Sena registered its group at Konkan Bhavan in Navi. Bombay and lodged a complaint with the Konkan divisional commissioner, asserting its position as the largest party in the civic body.
MNS businessmen were also present. MNS leader Raju Patil met Shiv Sena MPs Shrikant Shinde and Naresh Mhaske, following which the MNS formally extended its support to the Shinde-led Sena and the announcement was made.
With the backing of five MNS corporators and claims of support from four corporators elected on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena has strengthened its position, although it is yet to formally demonstrate majority support.
According to party sources, of the four Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators whose support is claimed, two were originally associated with the MNS and had contested the elections on the Shiv Sena (UBT) symbol, while the other two had fought on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket after being denied nominations by the Shinde-led Sena.
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Speaking to reporters, Shrikant Shinde said the MNS had extended its support “for development” and asserted that the mayor of Kalyan-Dombivli would be from the ruling Mahayuti. He said there had been no discussion yet on the allocation of posts and that senior leaders would make a final decision.
“We will not leave the BJP aside. Talks will be held between Ravindra Chavan and Eknath Shinde. Even if the Thackeray Sena comes with us, it will be welcome,” he said.
MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar said such alliances take place “at the local level”. Party leader Raju Patil agreed. “The decision was made based on calculation at the local level. There is no selfish interest. Instead of being outside the government, we will be in the government and help give justice to the people of KDMC. Ultimately, when we are in the government, we can give justice to the people by doing our job,” he explained.
Both Patil and party leader Sandeep Deshpande said Raj Thackeray had given local leaders leeway to take decisions.
Hit on Shiv Sena (UBT)
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The developments have been a setback for the Shiv Sena (UBT), which had won 11 seats in the KDMC elections. During the group’s registration process at Konkan Bhavan, only seven Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators were present, leading to speculation. Party sources later said that two of them were in touch with the Shinde camp, while the remaining two had joined the MNS.
In response, the UBT faction registered its own group with the Konkan divisional commissioner and submitted a letter seeking disqualification proceedings against the two corporators suspected of aligning with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, citing defection norms.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators Swapnil Kene and Rahul Kot joined the MNS. Both were originally associated with the party and their incorporation increased the strength of the MNS in the corporation.
