MNS Backs Shinde-Led Shiv Sena in KDMC Polls, Sparks Political Debate

The political landscape in Maharashtra shifted significantly when the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) expressed support for the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) following the recent civic polls. MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar remarked, “Anything can happen in politics,” highlighting the unpredictable nature of political alliances. This decision drew sharp responses from various political factions, particularly the Shiv Sena (UBT), which had contested the elections in alliance with the MNS.

In the civic elections held on January 15, 2026, the Shiv Sena secured 53 seats, followed closely by the BJP with 50 seats. The Shiv Sena (UBT) won 11, while the MNS managed to capture five seats. The Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) obtained two and one seats, respectively. The recent development in KDMC, located in Thane district, saw five MNS corporators supporting the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which is part of the BJP-led coalition.

In reaction to this shift, Sanjay Raut, Rajya Sabha MP from the Shiv Sena (UBT), asserted that the local leadership’s decision to align with the Shinde faction did not represent the official stance of the MNS and was unacceptable to MNS chief Raj Thackeray. Raut stated, “If your local leadership wanted to have such an alliance, then it should not have forged a tie-up with Shiv Sena (UBT) in Kalyan-Dombivli.”

Nandgaonkar defended the MNS’s decision by emphasizing that the party had delegated authority to its local leadership to make decisions regarding alliances. He noted, “We had authorised local leadership to take decisions and it was taken accordingly.” Despite this, he indicated that the party might take action against local leaders for their collaboration with the Shinde-led Sena.

When questioned about the possibility of a similar political alignment in Mumbai, Nandgaonkar refrained from making predictions, stating, “It will not be appropriate to comment on it. Anything can happen at any time in politics.” He pointed to existing alliances, such as the cooperation between the BJP and Congress in Chandrapur and the collaboration between the Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena (UBT) in the Konkan region.

Adding another layer to the unfolding narrative, Raut mentioned that while his party could consider aligning with the BJP under specific circumstances, it would not partner with Shinde. He stated, “We can go with the BJP in some place where there is extreme instability, but will never go with Shinde. If there are other options, then the party chief will take a call.”

Raut also confirmed that Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), was aware of the developments in Kalyan-Dombivli and had been informed about the local political dynamics. The evolving situation reflects the complexities of Maharashtra’s political environment, where alliances can shift rapidly, leading to unforeseen outcomes.

As the political entities navigate these alliances, the implications for future elections and governance in Maharashtra remain to be seen. The recent developments underscore the fluid nature of political relationships in the region and the potential for further changes as parties reassess their strategies.