KDMC post-poll alliance: Shiv Sena, BJP arrive at power-sharing formula

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The arrangement would be reversed for the post of deputy mayor, with the BJP getting the bigger duration of four years. The Standing Committee would be controlled by both the parties for two years each.

Arrangements for the last one year would be worked out at a later date.
The two allies at the Centre and in the state had decided to join hands Friday but were yet to work out the modalities of the power-sharing arrangement. With both parties not willing to relent, they had asked respective candidates from both sides to fill their nominations for the mayor’s election slated for November 11.

Discussions between Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, however, bore fruit and both the parties worked out an equitable power-sharing solution.

The KDMC elections had seen a direct confrontation between the Sena and the BJP and were marked by acrimony after both parties decided to contest alone. Senior leaders of both parties, including Sena president Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, were involved in a war of words before the elections.

Shiv Sena managed to trump the BJP, emerging as the single largest party winning 52 seats in the 120-seat corporation. BJP too put up a strong show with a five-fold increase in the number of seats — from nine in 2010 to 42. The BJP also has the support of five other candidates who were supported by the party.

While both the parties were involved in a fight to garner support from other parties to ensure they rule the KDMC, the Shiv Sena decided to choose political pragmatism over confrontation and extended an olive branch to the BJP.

mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com