Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde claimed on Wednesday that the MNS had offered support to his party, although attempts to reach local MNS leaders went unanswered.
The MNS’s decision marks a setback for cousin Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), as the two parties had previously collaborated in the January 15 elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Within the 122-member Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), the Shiv Sena has emerged as the largest party, securing 53 seats, while the BJP follows with 50 seats. With MNS, which won five seats, joining forces, the alliance now holds a total of 108 seats.
Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP) have claimed eleven, two, and one seats respectively.
Speaking to reporters outside the Divisional Commissioner’s office, Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde mentioned that 53 corporators from his party have submitted a letter regarding the formation of a group within the civic body.
In response to a query, he stated, “Five corporators from the MNS, who have established their group, have pledged support to the Shiv Sena. However, this is an arrangement solely between the Shiv Sena and MNS, not involving any other party.” When questioned about the necessity of additional support after contesting alongside the BJP, Shinde clarified that the mayor’s position will belong exclusively to the Mahayuti alliance.
“Any party that supports the Shiv Sena is welcome,” he added, emphasizing that the MNS is backing the party for stability and development.
“The MNS may believe that in the interest of development, we should unite. Consequently, they have endorsed the Mahayuti. (Local MNS leader and former MLA) Raju Patil is a personal friend,” Shinde remarked.
He suggested that the Sena (UBT) corporators might also back the Mahayuti. Anyone supporting development will be included, according to him.
“If we all come together to build power, development will proceed without obstacles. There will be stability, and everything will run efficiently,” the Kalyan Lok Sabha MP stated.
Shinde mentioned that discussions regarding the positions of mayor, deputy mayor, or chairpersons of any civic committees have yet to take place.
“The authority to make these decisions rests with Eknath Shinde and BJP state president Ravindra Chavan. They may meet today to discuss these matters. All the details regarding these positions will be worked out in that meeting,” he said.
In KDMC, the Shiv Sena, BJP, and MNS will collectively elect the mayor as a Mahayuti candidate, while in the neighboring Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC), the mayor will be elected through a coalition involving the Shiv Sena, BJP, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), Secular Alliance of India (SAI), and independents, he added.
When asked about the possibility of the Shiv Sena obtaining the mayor’s post in Mumbai, he said anyone would be pleased if that were to occur.
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has established control in 25 out of the 29 municipal corporations.
