Kalyan, Jan 21 (NationPress) In an unexpected turn of events following the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) elections, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has pledged its support to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Former MNS legislator Raju Patil explained that the motivation behind this decision was to foster political stability and emphasize local development rather than engage in power struggles.

The Shiv Sena-UBT faced a significant setback after MNS’s support for the Shinde faction, as both factions had previously campaigned together to protect the interests of the Marathi Manoos and uphold the Marathi identity.

Speaking to the media at Konkan Bhavan, Raju Patil, who met with Shiv Sena MPs Shrikant Shinde and Naresh Mhaske, stated, "The ongoing numerical game and persistent threats of defection were causing instability. Such chaos would likely persist during the upcoming committee elections. To stabilize the city, we chose to align with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena."

Responding to inquiries about MNS's decision to back the ruling side, Patil asserted that the party's five corporators could better serve the public from within the government.

"The residents of Kalyan-Dombivli are weary of poaching politics. Our choice is not driven by personal ambition. By being part of the governing structure, we can ensure that developmental projects proceed smoothly. We are advancing with a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) centered on public welfare," Patil stated.

He further disclosed that the local leadership briefed MNS chief Raj Thackeray on the region's intricate political dynamics. "Saheb (Raj Thackeray) advised us to make decisions based on local circumstances. We acted accordingly," he remarked.

Addressing the fact that MNS had previously contested in alliance with Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) in various regions, Patil noted that local political situations often diverge from state-level collaborations.

He highlighted that some corporators had gone missing post-results, raising concerns about the safety and integrity of their winning candidates. MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar commented that such alliances are formed at the "local level."

The KDMC election resulted in a divided verdict. In the 122-member corporation, Shiv Sena secured 53 seats, slightly outpacing the BJP, which won 51. The majority threshold is 62, making post-poll support vital.

Shrikant Shinde remarked that MNS's backing was "for development" and asserted that the Mayor of Kalyan-Dombivli would be from the ruling Mahayuti.

He mentioned that discussions regarding post allocations were yet to occur and that senior leaders would make final decisions.

"The BJP will not be sidelined. Conversations will take place between Ravindra Chavan and Eknath Shinde. If the Thackeray Sena wishes to join us, they will be welcomed," he stated.

With support from five MNS corporators and claims of backing from four corporators elected on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena has fortified its position, although it has yet to conclusively demonstrate majority backing.

Of the four claimed Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators, two were originally affiliated with MNS and contested under the Shiv Sena (UBT) symbol, while the other two ran on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket after being denied nominations by the Shinde-led faction. These developments have posed a challenge to the Shiv Sena (UBT), which had garnered 11 seats in the KDMC elections.

During the group registration at Konkan Bhavan, only seven Shiv Sena-UBT corporators were present, sparking speculation. Party sources later indicated that two of them were in contact with the Shinde camp, while the others had joined MNS.

In response, the UBT faction registered its own group with the Konkan Divisional Commissioner and submitted a letter requesting disqualification proceedings against the two corporators suspected of siding with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, citing defection rules.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena-UBT corporators Swapnil Kene and Rahul Kot have joined MNS. Both were previously with the party, and their inclusion has strengthened MNS’s position in the corporation.