Maha Civic Twist: Shinde Sena-MNS Tie-Up Blocks BJP’s Mayor Plan in Kalyan-Dombivli

Mumbai: After the recently concluded municipal corporation elections, the BJP’s plan to secure the mayor’s post in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) hit a roadblock after an unlikely understanding between the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). 

What changed on the ground?

The KDMC, comprising 31 wards, has a total strength of 122 members. In the elections, the Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party with 53 seats, followed closely by the BJP with 50. The Shiv Sena (UBT) won 11 seats, the MNS five, Congress two and the NCP (SP) one.

The number needed by a party or coalition to govern the KDMC is 62.

Till the MNS decision to back the Shinde-led Sena, BJP was confident of bringing together the numbers required to get its mayor.

The last-minute coordination between the Shinde Sena and the MNS has stunned not only the BJP, but also Uddhav Thackeray, chief of the Shiv Sena (UBT).

The two parties, which have often taken sharp positions against each other, appeared to set aside differences to prevent the BJP from taking control of the mayor’s chair.

But neither Raj Thackeray nor Eknath Shinde has publicly commented on the development so far.

Any official confirmation?

After the meeting at Konkan Bhavan on Wednesday, Sena MP and Eknath Shinde's son Shrikant confirmed the alliance with MNS. It will take their combined strength to 58.

Highlighting a potential rift within the Mahayuti alliance, he also hinted that four members from the Uddhav faction could join the alliance.

In the last elections in Kalyan-Dombivli, the undivided Shiv Sena emerged victorious with 52 seats.

This development marks a significant blow to the saffron party, which had been demanding a split mayoral term. The discussion explores how these volatile equations in KDMC might signal broader changes in Maharashtra's municipal politics.