In a significant post-election development, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has announced its support for the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). This move bolsters the Shinde-led Sena’s prospects of securing the mayor’s post.
Shifting Alliances in Kalyan-Dombivli
The MNS’s decision comes shortly after the party contested the KDMC elections against the ruling Mahayuti alliance – which includes the Shiv Sena – raising questions about the long-term stability of its relationship with the Shiv Sena (UBT) across Maharashtra. Some observers suggest the alliance may be an effort to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from gaining control of the civic body.
The KDMC election resulted in a closely contested outcome. The Shiv Sena won 53 seats, narrowly surpassing the BJP’s 51 seats. With no party securing a clear majority, post-election alliances became critical.
On Wednesday, the Shiv Sena formally registered its group at Konkan Bhavan in Navi Mumbai and filed a claim with the Konkan divisional commissioner to assert its position as the largest party. MNS corporators were present during the registration process. Following a meeting between MNS leader Raju Patil and Shiv Sena MPs Shrikant Shinde and Naresh Mhaske, the MNS officially announced its support for the Shinde-led Sena.
The Shinde-led Sena now claims the support of five MNS corporators, as well as four corporators originally elected on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket. While this strengthens their position, they have not yet formally demonstrated a majority.
Sources indicate that two of the four Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators offering support were previously affiliated with the MNS and ran on the Shiv Sena (UBT) symbol, while the other two contested on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket after being denied nominations by the Shinde-led Sena.
Shrikant Shinde stated that the MNS’s support was extended “for development” and affirmed that the mayor of Kalyan-Dombivli would be from the Mahayuti alliance. He also noted that discussions regarding post allocation are forthcoming and will be decided by senior leaders.
“We will not sideline the BJP. Discussions will be held between Ravindra Chavan and Eknath Shinde. Even if the Thackeray Sena comes with us, it will be welcomed,” Shrikant Shinde said.
MNS leaders Bala Nandgaonkar and Raju Patil explained that the decision was made at the local level, emphasizing a desire to participate in governance and “help give justice to the people of KDMC.” They also stated that Raj Thackeray had granted local leaders the authority to make such decisions.
Setback for Shiv Sena (UBT)
This development represents a setback for the Shiv Sena (UBT), which secured 11 seats in the KDMC elections. During the group registration process, only seven Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators were present, prompting speculation. Sources within the party later revealed that two corporators were in communication with the Shinde camp, while two others had joined the MNS.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) faction has responded by registering its own group and requesting disqualification proceedings against the two corporators suspected of aligning with the Shinde-led Sena, citing defection norms. Corporators Swapnil Kene and Rahul Kot have since officially joined the MNS, further increasing the party’s strength within the corporation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the MNS’s support for the Shiv Sena (Shinde)?
The MNS’s support strengthens the Shiv Sena (Shinde)’s position in the KDMC and increases their chances of securing the mayor’s post, as it brings them closer to the required majority of 62 seats.
How many seats did each party win in the KDMC election?
The Shiv Sena won 53 seats, while the BJP secured 51 seats. The KDMC has a total of 122 corporators.
What has been the reaction from the Shiv Sena (UBT) to these developments?
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has suffered a setback, with some of its corporators joining the MNS or expressing support for the Shinde-led Sena. The party has responded by seeking disqualification proceedings against those suspected of defection.
As the Shinde-led Sena seeks to formalize its majority, will the BJP play a more prominent role in the KDMC governance, and could further shifts in allegiance occur as parties negotiate post allocations?
