Shinde Sena Seeks MNS Support in Kalyan-Dombivali, Eyes Potential Alliance

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The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction has claimed the support of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in its bid to control the Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation. This move comes despite the MNS contesting the civic polls in an alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the single-largest party in 21 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, in the recent civic polls. The Thackeray family lost control of the civic body in the financial capital for the first time in 25 years. According to sources, the Shinde Sena has 53 corporators in the Kalyan-Dombivali civic body, while the BJP has 50, Shiv Sena (UBT) has 11, and MNS has five. Two Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators are reportedly in touch with the Shinde group, while two are untraceable. Shiv Sena lawmaker Shrikant Shinde, son of Eknath Shinde, said that the MNS has given them support and that they will form a coalition with the BJP-led ruling alliance in the state, known as Mahayuti. He added that there was no discussion on posts and that the final decision will be taken by Eknath Shinde and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. However, MNS leaders have clarified that they have yet to receive final clearance from Raj Thackeray. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has appointed former mayor Kishori Pednekar as its group leader in Mumbai, while the Shinde Sena is seeking to form a government in Kalyan-Dombivali with the support of the MNS.