Civic polls in Maharashtra: MNS lends support to Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena in Kalyan–Dombivli

In a key post-poll development in the Kalyan–Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has extended support to the Shiv Sena, despite their long-standing political rivalry. Former MNS MLA Pramod (Raju) Patil announced the decision on behalf of the party’s five elected corporators.

Earlier on the same day, all 53 Shiv Sena corporators visited the Konkan Divisional Commissioner’s office in Navi Mumbai to formally register their group. At the same venue, the five MNS corporators completed the required procedures and officially declared their support for the Shiv Sena, signalling an unexpected alignment in the civic power equations.

KDMC Results: Shiv Sena Tops, BJP Follows

In the recently concluded elections to the 122-member KDMC, the Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party with 53 councillors. The BJP followed closely with 50 seats, while Shiv Sena (UBT) won 11 seats, MNS secured five, Congress won two seats, and the NCP (SP) managed one.

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Confirming the development, Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Shrikant Shinde said the MNS extended its support keeping the city’s development as the primary focus. He emphasised that the decision aimed to ensure stability and progress in the municipal corporation.

Mayor’s Post to Stay With Mahayuti, Says Shinde

Addressing queries on whether the Shiv Sena would form the KDMC government without the BJP, Shinde clarified that the Shiv Sena and the BJP had contested the civic polls together under the Mahayuti alliance. He stated that the mayor’s post would remain with the Mahayuti and added that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and BJP state president Ravindra Chavan would take a joint decision on the issue later in the day.

According to sources, the 122-member KDMC requires at least 62 seats to form the ruling body. With 53 Shiv Sena corporators and the backing of five MNS members, the strength has now reached 58. Sources also claimed that a few corporators from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction are reportedly in touch with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Amid the BJP’s demand for a two-and-a-half-year term for the mayor’s post, political observers believe the Shiv Sena is exploring options to either form the civic government independently or strengthen its negotiating position within the alliance. The final power arrangement in the KDMC is expected to become clearer in the coming days.

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