Even before the election of the mayor in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, a political twist by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has taken many by surprise. Raj Thackeray has decided to support the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, triggering fresh speculation in state politics. The decision is particularly striking as it comes after years of strained relations, followed by a recent rapprochement between the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT). Both parties had contested the municipal elections together, raising expectations of continued coordination. However, this sudden shift has altered political equations and generated widespread debate across party lines.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has reacted cautiously to the development, choosing not to directly comment on Raj Thackeray’s decision. Party leader Anil Parab said he could only speak on behalf of his own organisation and refrained from commenting on the choices made by other parties. He stressed that Shiv Sena (UBT) remains united and that all key political decisions would be taken by party chief Uddhav Thackeray. This guarded response reflects the sensitivity of the situation, especially given the recent cooperation between the two parties and the uncertainty surrounding alliances ahead of the mayoral election.
The numbers in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation present a complex picture. The civic body has a total of 122 seats, with 62 required for a clear majority. No single party has secured the required numbers in the recent election. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has emerged as the largest party with 52 seats but still needs additional support to form the administration. The MNS has won five seats, and its backing would raise the Shinde Sena’s strength to 57. Even then, five more corporators would be needed, prompting efforts to reach out to other parties and independents.