4 SSUBT Corporators in KDMC Untraceable, Party Blames Shinde Faction
They were also absent in the meeting that called for the selection of the party group leader in the KDMC
Mumbai: The political situation in the Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation continues to be volatile after the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged that their four corporators have been detained by the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The allegations came a day after its ally MNS announced its support to the Eknath Shinde-led party in the KDMC.
In the 107-seat KDMC, the Shinde Sena has won 53, BJP 50, Shiv Sena (UBT) 11, MNS five, Congress two and NCP (SP) one. However, the Raj Thackeray-led MNS extended its support to the Shinde Sena strengthening the latter’s claim for the mayor’s post.
After the KDMC results, four corporators of the Shiv Sena (UBT) have been missing. They were also absent in the meeting that called for the selection of the party group leader in the KDMC. Due to this, Shiv Sena (UBT) could form a group of only seven corporators.
However, Shiv Sena (UBT) party’s District President Alpesh Bhoir alleged that the four corporators are being held captive by the MNS and Shiv Sena (Shinde) and they have not yet joined any group.
Expressing concern about the whereabouts of their four corporators, Bhoir said, “These corporators have been calling us repeatedly, expressing their grievances. They are saying they are being kept against their will. We have information that they are currently in the custody of people associated with the Shinde faction and MNS,” said Shiv Sena (UBT) party’s District President Alpesh Bhoir.
Bhoir further said, “We have no intention of forming any alliance or political agreement with the Shinde faction or MNS. The corporators have contacted us and clarified their position. Therefore, we demand that those who have custody of these corporators should immediately bring them before the media and clarify their stance.”
Meanwhile, a day after his party joined hands with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the KDMC, senior MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar said that “anything can happen in politics.”
On the Shiv Sena–MNS tie-up in Kalyan-Dombivli, Nandgaonkar said, “We had authorised the local leadership to take decisions, and it was done accordingly.” He, however, added that the party is contemplating action against the local leadership over the tie-up with the Eknath Shinde-led outfit.
When asked whether what happened in Kalyan-Dombivli could be repeated in Mumbai, Nandgaonkar said, “It would not be appropriate to comment on it. Anything can happen at any time in politics. Just as the BJP and the Congress have come together in Chandrapur and Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena (UBT) in Konkan, similar alignments can happen.”
