Saffron alliance hits road block at Kalyan-Dombivali civic body

Mumbai: The alliance between Sena and BJP has hit a road block at the Kalyan-Dombivali municipal corporation. Ahead of the Education Committee elections, in which it is the BJP’s turn to appoint a chairman, the Sena has fielded their candidate.

The Sena and BJP broke their KDMC alliance in 2015, but came together when none could prove their majority. However, they had divided the committees and tenure of the mayor too, but with all not being well at the BMC, the effects are being seen in KDMC too. On Monday, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at a rally reminded CM Devendra Fadnavis about the unfulfilled promise of Rs 6,500 crore for the KDMC, which was made in 2015.

Sources say Sena is eyeing MNS’s support. A senior MNS leader from Dombivali claimed that they are in talks of supporting the Sena for the same. Before the 2015 October polls, in KDMC, the Sena and BJP had split and the political scenario had worsened.

BJP, which was in single digit, went on to become the second largest party in KDMC with 42 corporators, while Sena won 52 seats; MNS went down to 10 seats in the total 108 seat KDMC. “Meetings haven’t been held yet, but talks over the phone have happened, Sena is weighing options what all could be done if MNS gives support,” said the MNS leader.