Mumbai, Jan 21 (NationPress) The MahaYuti coalition has formally agreed to appoint its own mayors in the significant municipal corporations of Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, and Ulhasnagar.

The comprehensive plan for the power-sharing arrangement will be finalized after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis returns from his official trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos.

“Upon his return, Devendra Fadnavis is scheduled to conduct a crucial meeting with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai to confirm the appointments,” stated the announcement from the BJP.

BJP State President Ravindra Chavan and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had previously engaged in in-depth discussions last week to establish a cohesive MahaYuti front in these three civic bodies.

Chavan highlighted that the alliance received a definitive public mandate in these areas.

"The power structure will genuinely mirror the people's mandate, assuring MahaYuti governance in all three municipal corporations," he remarked.

This initiative reflects a strategic consolidation of power by the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the BJP within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). By capturing the mayoral positions in these three key areas, the coalition aims to streamline local development and bolster its grassroots presence ahead of forthcoming electoral cycles.

Chavan’s comments came shortly after Shinde’s Sena secured backing from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in Kalyan-Dombivli, effectively minimizing the role of the BJP.

With a total of 62 seats, the Shinde faction is strategically positioned to wield power independently of its primary senior partner, the BJP. This development has not only diminished the BJP's influence but has also dealt a strategic blow to Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT).

Similar strategies are emerging in Ulhasnagar. Under the guidance of Shinde Sena MP Dr Shrikant Shinde, the party is actively seeking support from independent corporators and two members of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA).

With both BJP and Shinde Sena currently tied at 37 seats apiece, Shinde is determined to achieve the "magic number" of 40 to appoint a Shiv Sena Mayor, potentially sidelining the BJP. Analysts suggest these actions are a direct "tit-for-tat" response to recent occurrences in Ambernath and Badlapur.

In Ambernath, the BJP reportedly aligned with Congress corporators to secure the presidency, keeping the Shinde faction at bay. In retaliation, Shinde aligned with Ajit Pawar’s NCP to secure the vice-presidency. The current assertive stance in KDMC is perceived as a calculated "repayment" for the BJP’s prior maneuvers.