Daijiworld Media Network - Thane

Thane, Oct 18: In a significant political move ahead of the upcoming Thane Municipal Corporation elections, the Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) Thane unit has announced it will contest independently, severing pre-poll alliance possibilities with ally Shiv Sena. The decision, rooted in allegations of corruption and administrative failures during Sena’s two-decade control of the civic body, marks a shift in local political equations within the ruling Mahayuti coalition.

Addressing the media, NCP state functionary and former corporator Najeeb Mulla launched a pointed attack on the Sena, saying, “We do not want to carry the burden of corruption and scams over the last 20 years. There has been no action on the irregularities we raised, be it on stalled projects like theme parks or others.” He also cited dissatisfaction over seat-sharing talks, claiming limited scope for NCP aspirants under any alliance arrangement.

Mulla asserted that the NCP has a renewed vision for Thane and plans to focus its campaign strength in Kalwa and Mumbra, areas where it hopes to emerge as a key player. “We have already communicated our decision to Ajit Pawar. We are confident of winning enough seats to influence the mayoral selection,” he said, positioning the party as a potential gamechanger in the civic power structure.

The move disrupts the established dominance of Shiv Sena in Thane, where the undivided party held sway for several years until the term ended in 2022. Though the BJP had emerged as the second-largest party in the previous term, it did not join Sena in administration. Post-split, Eknath Shinde’s faction has retained considerable influence, reportedly with over 80 former corporators now in his camp.

Meanwhile, the BJP is also keeping its options open. Party leader Sanjay Kelkar hinted at an independent run in Thane, while state BJP chief Ravindra Chavan said the decision on alliance strategy would rest with the top leadership — Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. He urged party workers to begin poll preparations regardless of the final call.

Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske acknowledged the shifting political winds, stating that while the party is open to contesting solo, the final decision on the alliance structure will be made by Mahayuti leaders. Eknath Shinde echoed the sentiment in Ratnagiri, indicating that all options remain on the table.

The outcome of the Thane civic polls is set to be a high-stakes battle, especially with the city’s development prospects attracting political and public attention. For the Sena, the elections will be a litmus test of its ability to hold ground amid growing pressure from both rivals and restive allies.