Mumbai: Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde has renewed his appeal for a consolidated Mahayuti fight in the upcoming local body elections, urging all alliance partners—the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction)—to put up a joint front across Kalyan-Dombivli and neighbouring civic bodies.
Speaking to the media (November 15), the Kalyan MP underlined the need for “collective strength” to ensure the alliance retains influence in Thane district’s major municipal corporations. “Whether it is Kalyan-Dombivli or adjoining areas, the elections must be contested as one united alliance, and the mayoral posts should also remain with the Mahayuti,” he said, adding that his stance reflects that of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has long been a stronghold of the Shiv Sena, making the upcoming polls a matter of prestige for the party’s leadership. However, growing competition between the BJP and Sena on the ground has triggered unease within the alliance, especially with recent reports of local Sena leaders shifting to the BJP. This has intensified concerns over encroachment into Shrikant Shinde’s political territory.
In a sharp remark aimed at his coalition partners, Shinde noted, “If anyone wants to display their political clout, they should do it in the December 2 municipal council elections.” The jab comes as the BJP and Shiv Sena factions battle each other in the Ambarnath and Badlapur civic polls—an unusual scenario within an alliance.
Political watchers say the Mahayuti’s ability to stay united in Kalyan-Dombivli may set the tone for future collaborations, especially with larger state elections looming. For now, Shinde’s message is clear: internal rivalry must not overshadow the broader interests of the alliance.
