The results of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation elections have been declared, but the mayoral picture in several civic bodies, including Kalyan-Dombivali, remains uncertain. Reservations for mayoral posts will be determined through a lottery on January 22, after which political parties are expected to announce their candidates. In the meantime, all parties are working strategically to consolidate numbers and form alliances. In the Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation, which has 122 seats, a majority for the mayor requires 62 seats.
Thackeray Faction Councillors Under Scrutiny
The Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has emerged as the largest party with 52 seats, followed closely by the BJP with 51 seats. Ajit Pawar’s Mahayuti alliance failed to secure any seats, leaving both the BJP and Shiv Sena scrambling to form a government. Uddhav Thackeray’s faction won 11 seats, while Sharad Pawar’s party claimed one seat, and Raj Thackeray’s party secured five seats. The Shinde faction’s contact chief, Mahesh Gaikwad, personally met with Thackeray faction district chief Sharad Patil to clarify reports that nine councillors from the Thackeray faction were unreachable.
Uddhav To Take Actions Against Many Councillors
Gaikwad confirmed that two councillors, Madhur Mhatre and Kirti Dhone, are indeed in contact with the Thackeray faction. The Uddhav faction has indicated that it will take action against these councillors who had gone out of contact. As the mayoral lottery approaches, both BJP and Shinde-led Shiv Sena are intensifying efforts to secure alliances and consolidate their position. The coming days will be crucial in determining who ultimately governs the Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation.