Contrary to the claims, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Monday said his party would sit in the opposition in the 107-member Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC).
MNS had been claiming that it would decide the next mayor of the civic body, even as it had won only 27 seats. However, MNS preferred not to make any political hara-kiri by either seeking direct or indirect support of the Congress or NCP. Instead, Thackeray said his party, in its role as an opposition party, would put a close vigil on the administration.
MNS’ move comes close on the heels of the announcement of the Congress and NCP that they would not stake claim for power in KDMC, paving way for smooth election of the Shiv Sena candidate as the next mayor. The announcement of the mayor is slated for November 10.
Congress, which had contested the polls in alliance with NCP, failed to cash in on the anti-incumbency wave and won only 15 seats, while NCP came fourth, bagging 14.
On the other hand, Shiv Sena, which had been engaged in a verbal duel with MNS, won 31 seats while its electoral ally BJP bagged only 9 seats. Eleven independents were also elected, which led to a hung house, with none of the political parties or alliances reaching the magic figure of 54 seats in KDMC.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray said he had wanted a majority to win the coveted mayoral post. “However, no one can change number of seats now. This is not the last election. There is no question of seeking support from anyone or extending support to any combination,” he added.
A senior Shiv Sena leader, who did not want to be quoted, told Business Standard: “Each and every political party wanted Shiv Sena to be routed in the KDMC polls. However, the voters have extended their support, though we have not got majority. Still, Sena with BJP, has a strength of 40 members.
Sena supremo Bal Thackeray has already thanked the voters and declared that Sena-BJP will rule the civic body for five years and Sena will have its mayor.” The Sena leader did not leave an opportunity to snub Raj Thackeray and said the MNS chief’s lethal attack against Sena had not worked.
Meanwhile, although Congress-NCP decided to sit in the opposition, it could not succeed in gathering the necessary numbers to get an independent elected as the next mayor and keep the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance at bay. Congress-NCP could not get MNS support in the attempt.
