Daijiworld Media Network - Kalyan

Kalyan, Jan 30: With elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra concluded, the BJP has emerged as the single largest party, while the BJP–Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) alliance has secured control over several civic bodies. However, political manoeuvring over mayoral posts is yet to fully unfold.

In the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), the BJP and the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) contested the elections together, with the Shinde-led Sena winning a larger number of seats. Despite the pre-poll alliance, post-election equations have shifted, with the Shiv Sena also bringing the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) into its fold, adding a new layer of complexity to the mayoral race.

While the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) and MNS had contested the elections together, the results have significantly altered political alignments in the civic body. Amid intense speculation over which party would secure the mayor’s post, a major twist emerged on Friday.

Sources said that both the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the MNS have collected nomination forms for the mayoral post from the KDMC secretariat, triggering political buzz. The Shiv Sena reportedly took seven nomination forms, while the MNS collected one.

Following the reservation draw, the mayoral post in KDMC has been reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates, with three eligible corporators in the fray — two from the Shiv Sena and one from the MNS. The Shiv Sena candidates include Kiran Bhangale and Harshali Thavil, while Sheetal Mandhari is the MNS candidate.

Given the numerical strength of the Shiv Sena after receiving support from the MNS, the mayoral post was considered almost certain to go to the Shinde-led Sena. However, the MNS filing a nomination has reignited speculation and debate in political circles.

At present, three major contenders are in the race, setting the stage for a keen contest. The final date and time for filing nominations is Friday evening, and all eyes are on the final political calculations that will decide the outcome.

Meanwhile, Harshala Chaudhary Thavil has filed her nomination for the mayor’s post, while BJP leader Rahul Damle has entered the fray for the deputy mayor’s position. The filing was done in the presence of Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde, MNS leader Raju Patil, and senior BJP office-bearers.

Whether the latest developments will alter the expected political arithmetic in the mayoral election remains to be seen.