New turn in Maha politics: Shinde Sena-MNS alliance derails BJP’s mayoral bid in Kalyan-Dombivli

Politics in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra has heated up, as no single party has secured a clear majority. Amid political rifts an alliance between Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is formed, as per reports. 

The Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena have tied up with Raj Thackeray MNS, earlier on Wednesday, the alliance was speculated earlier on Wednesday when 53 corporators from the Shinde group and 5 corporators from the MNS arrived together at the Konkan Divisional Commissioner’s office for group registration. 

During this time, photos of a meeting between MP Shrikant Shinde and MNS leader Raju Patil also went viral on social media. On this occasion, Shrikant Shinde clearly stated that they would welcome any party that comes forward for development.

To elect a mayor in Kalyan-Dombivli, the support of 62 corporators is required. Currently, the Shinde Sena has 53 corporators, while the BJP has 50. The MNS has a total of 7 corporators – 5 of its own and 2 who have returned from the Thackeray faction. In addition, the Shinde group reportedly brought two more corporators from the Thackeray faction into its fold. With this, the Shinde Sena and MNS together crossed the majority mark.