In a twist that raises eyebrows, Shiv Sena (UBT) has joined hands with the BJP in the Chandrapur municipal corporation. Sena (UBT) has supported its friend-turned-foe, the BJP, for the mayor’s post, despite the former long branding the latter as a party that “cannot be trusted”.

The arrangement with Sena (UBT) backing the BJP for mayor in return for the deputy mayor’s chair has left many within the party ranks stunned. As per the deal, the BJP will hold the mayor’s post for the first 15 months, after which Sena UBT will take over for the other 15 months, marking a rare power-sharing pact between the two political rivals in Chandrapur.