In a significant political maneuver, the Mahayuti alliance has reached a consensus to appoint its own mayors in the municipal corporations of Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, and Ulhasnagar. This decision, announced on Wednesday, underscores the coalition’s determination to consolidate power in key urban centers of Maharashtra.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, fresh from his official visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, is set to finalize the power-sharing agreement upon his return. A BJP statement revealed that Fadnavis will hold a crucial meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai to seal the appointments.
BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bavankule, earlier referred to as Ravindra Chawhan in some reports, along with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, had engaged in intensive discussions last week to unify the alliance in these three civic bodies. ‘The electorate has given a clear mandate to Mahayuti in these regions,’ Bavankule asserted, emphasizing that the governance structure will fully reflect the people’s verdict, ensuring Mahayuti’s rule across all three corporations.
This strategic move signals a broader effort by Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction and the BJP to fortify their hold in the Mumbai metropolitan region. By clinching mayor positions in these major cities, the alliance aims to accelerate regional development and strengthen grassroots presence ahead of future elections.
The announcement comes amid fresh developments in Kalyan-Dombivli, where Shinde’s Shiv Sena has secured support from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), sidelining the BJP. With 62 seats in backing, Shinde’s group can now establish control without relying on its coalition partner, dealing a blow not only to BJP but also to Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT).
Similar tactics are at play in Ulhasnagar, led by Shinde’s Shiv Sena MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde. The faction is wooing independent corporators and two members from the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi to surpass the majority mark. Currently, both BJP and Shinde Sena hold 37 seats each, with Shinde’s camp pushing to cross the magical 40-seat threshold for a Sena mayor, potentially shocking the BJP.
Political analysts view these maneuvers as retaliation to recent events in Ambernath and Badlapur. In Ambernath, BJP allegedly partnered with Congress corporators to grab the president post, excluding Shinde’s group. In response, Shinde allied with Ajit Pawar’s NCP for the deputy position. The tough stance in Kalyan-Dombivli is seen as BJP’s counter-strategy.
As Maharashtra’s political landscape intensifies, this consensus on mayor posts highlights the delicate balance within Mahayuti, setting the stage for robust urban governance and heightened electoral preparations.