Maharashtra polls: MNS backs Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in KDMC

Days after conclusion of the Maharashtra local body elections a fresh political alignment has emerged in Maharashtrarsquos Thane district with the Raj Thackerayled Maharashtra Navnirman Sena MNS extending support to the Eknath Shindeled Shiv Sena in the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation KDMC reported the PTIThe Shiv Sena had contested the civic polls as part of the BJPled Mahayuti allianceThe development was confirmed on Wednesday by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde although local MNS leaders could not be reached for commentThe MNS decision is being seen as a setback for Uddhav Thackerayrsquos Shiv Sena UBT particularly as the two parties had fought the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC elections together on January 15Numbers firmly favour MahayutiAccording to the PTI the 122member KDMC has produced a decisive mandate in favour of the Mahayuti combine The Shiv Sena has emerged as the single largest party with 53 seats followed closely by the BJP with 50 seatsThe MNS has secured five seatsWith MNS support the Mahayutirsquos tally now stands at an overwhelming 108 seats In contrast Shiv Sena UBT Congress and the Sharad Pawarled NCP SP have won 11 two and one seats respectively reported the PTIMNS support limited to Shiv SenaSpeaking outside the Divisional Commissionerrsquos office Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde said the 53 Shiv Sena corporators had formally submitted a letter regarding the formation of their group in the civic bodyClarifying the nature of the support he said ldquoFive corporators of the MNS who have formed their own group have declared support to the Shiv Sena This support is strictly between the Shiv Sena and the MNS and not extended to any other partyrdquo according to the PTIMayor to be from MahayutiAddressing questions on why additional support was needed despite contesting alongside the BJP Shinde said the mayorrsquos post would remain within the Mahayuti foldldquoAny party that supports the Shiv Sena is welcomerdquo he added stating that the MNS had extended support in the interest of stability and developmentlsquoDevelopment should be collectiversquoEknath Shinde suggested that the MNS leadership may believe that development requires unity across parties Referring to local MNS leader and former MLA Raju Patil he said ldquoHe is my friendrdquo as per the PTIHe further indicated that even corporators from Shiv Sena UBT could extend support in the future ldquoWhoever supports development will be taken along If everyone comes together there will be no hurdles and governance will remain stable and smoothrdquoNo decision yet on key civic postsShinde clarified that discussions on posts such as mayor deputy mayor or committee chairpersons have not yet taken placeldquoThese decisions lie with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and BJP state president Ravindra Chavan They are expected to meet soon after which the modalities will be finalisedrdquo he said the news agency reportedMayor elections in KDMC and UMCIn KDMC the mayor will be elected as a Mahayuti candidate comprising the Shiv Sena BJP and MNS In neighbouring Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation UMC the Shiv Sena BJP Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi VBA Secular Alliance of India SAI and independents will jointly elect the mayorAsked about Mumbai Shinde said any party would be pleased if the Shiv Sena secured the mayorrsquos post in the Brihanmumbai Municipal CorporationOverall the BJPled Mahayuti alliance has now formed administrations in 25 of Maharashtrarsquos 29 municipal corporations underlining its growing dominance in urban local bodieswith PTI inputs