In a post-poll development that has sparked debate in state political circles, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has extended support to the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), strengthening its position to claim the mayor’s post.
The move, coming days after the Raj Thackeray-led party contested the civic elections against the ruling Mahayuti—including the Shiv Sena—in Kalyan-Dombivli, has also raised questions over the durability of its alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT) across Maharashtra, and over whether it was a bid to keep the BJP out of power in the civic body.
The KDMC election had thrown up a fractured verdict. In the 122-member corporation, the Shiv Sena won 53 seats, narrowly ahead of the BJP, which secured 51. The majority mark stands at 62, making post-poll support crucial.
On Wednesday, the Shiv Sena registered its group at Konkan Bhavan in Navi Mumbai and submitted a claim before the Konkan divisional commissioner, asserting its position as the single largest party in the civic body.
MNS corporators were also present. MNS leader Raju Patil met Shiv Sena MPs Shrikant Shinde and Naresh Mhaske, following which the MNS formally extended 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, though it is yet to formally demonstrate majority support.
According to party sources, of the four Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators whose support is being claimed, two were originally associated with the MNS and had contested the election 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 support “for development” and asserted that the mayor in Kalyan-Dombivli would be from the ruling Mahayuti. He said there had been no discussion yet on the allocation of posts and that a final decision would be taken 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,” he said.
MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar said that such alliances take place on “the local level”. Party leader Raju Patil concurred. “The decision was taken based on the local level calculation. 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 government, we can give justice to people by doing their work,” he explained.
Both Patil and party leader Sandeep Deshpande said that Raj Thackeray had given local leaders the leeway to make decisions.
Blow to Shiv Sena (UBT)
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The developments have dealt a setback to the Shiv Sena (UBT), which had won 11 seats in the KDMC elections. During the group registration process at Konkan Bhavan, only seven Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators were present, triggering speculation. Party sources later said 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 induction increased the MNS’s strength in the corporation.
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
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