KDMC Election Results: Political turmoil in Kalyan-Dombivli; MNS's sudden support for Shinde group, big change in power situation
Political developments have gained momentum as no single party received a clear majority in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) elections. In an important meeting held at Konkan Bhavan on Monday, the Shiv Sena (Shinde) faction officially formed its independent group of 53 corporators. At the same time, 5 corporators of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) also formed an independent group and declared full support to the Shinde faction. After this meeting, which was attended by MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde and former MNS MLA Raju Patil, Shrikant Shinde spoke to the media and made an official announcement of the support received from MNS.
Dr. Shrikant Shinde said, "Today, the Shiv Sena (Shinde) faction has formed a group of 53 corporators, and MNS has also created a group of its 5 corporators to support us. We contested the election from the grand alliance, and the grand alliance will come to power in KDMC. The mayor will be from the grand alliance, not anyone else. We will take along those interested in development in the future." This announcement has completely changed the power equations in KDMC, where the majority number is 62, and with the support of MNS, the grand alliance has strengthened with the Shinde faction (53) and BJP (50).
In the election, the Shinde group emerged as the largest party with the most councilors (53), while BJP had 50, Shiv Sena (Thackeray) group had 11, and MNS had 5 councilors. After the results, two councilors from the Thackeray group, Madhur Mhatre and Kirti Dhone, went missing. Later, while going to the Konkan Divisional Commissioner for group registration, two more councilors were absent. It is understood that all four councilors have now joined the MNS group. Notably, these two councilors were previously MNS workers and have taken the stance of "We have returned to MNS." As a result, the strength of the Thackeray group has decreased from 11 to just 7.
The Shinde faction and MNS had previously contested elections against each other, but now due to strong discussions about power formation, these leaders have come closer. With 5 corporators from MNS and 2 corporators who moved from the Thackeray faction to MNS, a total of 7 supports are benefiting the Shinde faction. Sources say that Shrikant Shinde has consistently discussed with MNS leaders. Due to these developments, the Thackeray faction has weakened, creating a favorable environment for the grand alliance to gain power.
Due to this political maneuvering in KDMC, there is intense discussion in the political circles of Kalyan-Dombivli. All eyes are on the upcoming mayoral election, and the grand alliance's power is considered certain.