Shiv Sena (Shinde Faction) Aligns with MNS in Kalyan-Dombivli, Sidelines BJP

In a significant political development in Maharashtra, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has joined hands with Raj Thackeray's MNS for the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) mayoral post, excluding the BJP. Despite the BJP winning 50 seats in the recent elections, they are now isolated as the Shinde faction, with 53 seats, secured the support of MNS's 5 corporators. This alliance brings the Shinde faction close to the majority mark of 62 seats. MP Shrikant Shinde confirmed the alliance after a high-level meeting, indicating a shift in power dynamics within the ruling 'Mahayuti' coalition. The Shinde faction is reportedly eyeing the four absent corporators from Uddhav Thackeray's faction to solidify their position and avoid sharing the mayor's post with the BJP, which had been demanding a rotational mayorship.