KDMC Power Play: Uddhav Thackeray Bars Support to Shinde Sena, Confirms Opposition Role for UBT

UBT Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray has categorically stated that his party will not offer any form of support to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). This clear instruction was conveyed during a crucial meeting held at Matoshree on Sunday, where party corporators were present. The leadership used the meeting to assess the evolving political situation within the civic body and to communicate its firm stance. Thackeray emphasised that the party’s ideological position and electoral mandate would not allow any post-poll alliance with rival factions, especially those it directly opposed during the elections.

During discussions, Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators raised strong apprehensions about alleged horse-trading within the municipal corporation amid uncertainty over government formation. Concerns were expressed about attempts to influence elected representatives, prompting the leadership to issue important guidelines. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai later confirmed that the party has unanimously decided to remain in the opposition. He said corporators accepted the leadership’s directive without dissent. “We fought the entire election against the Shinde Sena and the BJP. Our corporators have won with margins of 5,000 to 6,000 votes. Therefore, there is no question of supporting these parties. Shiv Sena (UBT) will play the role of a strong opposition in Kalyan-Dombivli,” Sardesai said.

The recently concluded KDMC elections saw the BJP-led Mahayuti gaining a strong foothold, with several candidates securing unopposed victories. The civic polls were viewed as a prestige contest for BJP state president Ravindra Chavan and MP Shrikant Shinde. Although the Mahayuti performed well overall, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party with 53 corporators. Despite this numerical advantage, it still lacks the required strength to form the ruling body independently, making post-election alignments crucial and politically sensitive.

The political scenario intensified further after five Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) corporators announced support for the Shinde Sena, triggering widespread speculation. Simultaneously, four Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators were reportedly unreachable. Addressing the issue, Sardesai issued a stern warning. “They contested and won the elections on our party symbol. If they do not attend the next meeting, disciplinary action will be taken. They must also think about how they will face voters over the next five years,” he said. With these developments, Shiv Sena (UBT) has reaffirmed its role as a resolute opposition force in KDMC.