Amid the ongoing tug-of-war over the mayoral position in Mumbai, significant political upheaval is also unfolding within the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation. Sources reveal that three councilors from Uddhav Thackeray's faction have been absorbed into Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena. This development arises as the competition for the mayor's chair becomes increasingly intense within the corporation.
Currently, no party holds a clear majority in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation. All parties are engaged in calculations to reach the magic number of 62 seats. At present, Shinde's Shiv Sena holds 53 seats, while the BJP has 50 seats.
In this scenario, Uddhav Thackeray's 11 councilors and MNS's 5 councilors have assumed the role of kingmakers. Sources suggest intense horse trading is underway behind the scenes to achieve the majority mark. The defection of three councilors from the Thackeray faction to the Shinde camp could tilt the balance in favor of Shinde Sena.
Negotiations are ongoing in the grand coalition, but this split indicates that the fight for the mayor's chair has significantly heated up local politics. It is probable that more political maneuvers will unfold in the coming days.
Why is the Kalyan-Dombivli Mayor's Race Important?
The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation is one of Maharashtra's prominent urban bodies where no party has yet secured a clear majority. To reach the magic number of 62 seats, all parties rely on allies and independents.
Currently, Shinde's Shiv Sena and the BJP are close to a majority, but due to a few missing seats, Thackeray's faction and MNS councilors have assumed the role of kingmakers. Amidst this political pressure, news of councilors defecting has emerged.
Sources indicate that the mayoral position is not just an administrative responsibility but also a means to strengthen political foothold in urban politics in the future. This is why all parties are investing full strength, escalating the politics of alliances.
