Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti coalition has officially decided to install its nominees as mayors in Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, and Ulhasnagar municipal bodies, marking a unified front in the state’s political arena.
The agreement was firmed up on Wednesday, with final touches to be added after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis returns from Davos. He is scheduled for a high-level huddle with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai to approve the key postings, as per a BJP communique.
Intense parleys last week between BJP state chief Chandrashekhar Bavankule and Shinde paved the way for this cohesion. ‘These areas have delivered a resounding mandate for Mahayuti,’ Bavankule declared, promising administration that mirrors voter choice and ensures coalition dominance in the trio of civic entities.
This power play is part of a calculated strategy to bolster Shinde Sena and BJP’s influence in the bustling Mumbai suburbs. Securing these mayor roles will enable focused development initiatives and a firmer grip on local politics, priming the alliance for upcoming polls.
Hours before Bavankule’s statement, Shinde’s Shiv Sena clinched MNS support in Kalyan-Dombivli, mustering 62 seats to form government independently of BJP—a setback for the saffron party and Uddhav Thackeray’s faction alike.
In Ulhasnagar, Dr. Shrikant Shinde is spearheading efforts to align independents and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi members, aiming to tip the scales beyond 40 seats from the current 37-37 deadlock between Sena and BJP. Success here could install a Sena mayor, stinging BJP.
Observers link this to tit-for-tat politics post Ambernath, where BJP’s alleged Congress tie-up snagged the presidency, prompting Shinde’s NCP alliance for deputy. Kalyan-Dombivli’s dynamics reflect BJP’s riposte to prior setbacks.
With Fadnavis’ return imminent, Mahayuti’s internal equations are under spotlight, promising dynamic leadership for these vital corporations and reshaping local power structures.