KDMC drama: In post-poll surprise, Raj Thackeray’s MNS backs Shiv Sena, fuels talk on ties with Uddhav

A shifting political landscape in Kalyan-Dombivli is unfolding as the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has pledged its support to the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde. This move aims to bolster the Shinde-led Sena’s claim to the mayor’s post in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC).

A Fractured Mandate and Shifting Alliances

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 a strategic 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 secured 53 seats in the 122-member corporation, narrowly surpassing the BJP’s 51 seats. Reaching the majority mark of 62 seats necessitates post-election alliances.

Formalizing Support

On Wednesday, the Shiv Sena formally registered its group at Konkan Bhavan in Navi Mumbai and submitted a claim to the Konkan divisional commissioner, asserting 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 benefits from the backing of five MNS corporators, and claims support from an additional four corporators originally elected on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket. However, a formal demonstration of majority support is still pending.

Did You Know? The KDMC is comprised of 122 elected members, and a majority requires the support of at least 62 corporators.

Sources indicate that of the four Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators whose support is being claimed, two previously had affiliations with the MNS and contested the election under the Shiv Sena (UBT) banner. The other two fought the election on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket after being denied nominations by the Shinde-led Sena.

Looking Ahead

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 yet to occur and will be decided by senior leaders. Shinde indicated a willingness to include the Thackeray Sena and assured that the BJP would not be sidelined, with discussions planned between Ravindra Chavan and Eknath Shinde.

MNS leaders Bala Nandgaonkar and Raju Patil explained that such alliances are common at the local level and are based on local calculations. Patil emphasized that the decision was made without “selfish interest,” aiming to participate in governance and serve the people of KDMC. Raj Thackeray reportedly granted local leaders the authority to make these decisions.

Expert Insight: The MNS’s decision to align with the Shinde-led Sena, despite previously competing against them, highlights the pragmatic nature of local politics and the importance of securing a governing position, even through unexpected alliances.

Setback for Shiv Sena (UBT)

This development represents a setback for the Shiv Sena (UBT), which won 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 revealed that two corporators are in communication with the Shinde camp, while two others have joined the MNS.

In response, the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction registered its own group and requested disqualification proceedings against the two corporators suspected of aligning with the Shinde-led Sena, citing defection norms. Corporators Swapnil Kene and Rahul Kot have officially joined the MNS, further increasing the party’s strength within the corporation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the MNS to support the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction)?

MNS leaders stated the decision was made based on “local level calculation” and a desire to participate in governance to benefit the people of KDMC.

How many corporators does the Shinde-led Sena now have the support of?

The Shinde-led Sena has the support of its 53 elected corporators, plus five from the MNS, and claims support from four additional corporators originally elected on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket.

What is the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s response to these developments?

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has registered its own group and requested disqualification proceedings against two corporators suspected of defecting to the Shinde-led Sena.

As the KDMC prepares to elect a mayor, will this new alliance be enough to secure a majority, or could further shifts in allegiance occur?

KDMC drama: In post-poll surprise, Raj Thackeray’s MNS backs Shiv Sena, fuels talk on ties with Uddhav | Mumbai News