Shiv Sena (UBT) Files Police Complaint and Puts Up Posters for 4 'Missing' KDMC Corporators
In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing political tug-of-war for control of Maharashtra's civic corporations, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has taken the extraordinary step of filing a police complaint and putting up missing posters for four of its newly elected corporators from the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). The party has been desperately searching for these members for eleven days since the election results were declared, making numerous phone calls, sending emails, and conducting house visits without success.
The High-Stakes Battle for KDMC Control
The 122-member KDMC election was the second-most closely watched municipal contest in Maharashtra after Mumbai, with no single party securing a clear majority. This has created a fierce struggle for control of the corporation, particularly the crucial mayor's post. The four missing corporators—Madhur Mhatre, Kirti Dhone, Swapnali Kene, and Rahul Kot—have become the most valuable players in this political chess game, as their allegiance could determine which party gains control.
The current composition of the KDMC reveals the delicate balance of power:
- The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is the single-largest party with 53 members
- The BJP follows closely with 50 members
- The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has won five wards
- The Shiv Sena (UBT) secured 11 wards, including the four now considered "missing"
Political Implications and Strategic Calculations
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders allege that the four corporators are in contact with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and have been moved to an undisclosed location. If the Shinde Sena successfully gains the support of these four members, combined with the MNS's five corporators they already have, their tally would reach 62—exactly the majority mark in the 122-member house.
This development carries significant political weight for several reasons:
- The BJP is ruled out of the mayor's race this term as the post is reserved for the Scheduled Tribe category, and the party lacks an eligible corporator
- Control of KDMC would provide a major boost to the Shinde Sena in its ongoing power struggle with ally BJP
- The Kalyan-Dombivli region has emerged as a political battleground between Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and BJP Maharashtra president Ravindra Chavan
- An upper hand in KDMC would strengthen bargaining position for the still-vacant Mumbai mayor's post
Background of the Missing Corporators
The four missing corporators present an interesting political profile. Madhur Mhatre and Kirti Dhone were previously associated with the Shinde Sena but contested the KDMC elections on the UBT ticket after failing to secure nominations from their former party. Mhatre defeated former deputy mayor Vicky Tare from Ward 21 in Kalyan East, while Dhone won from Ward 13A in the same area.
Rahul Kot, who secured victory from Ward 4 in Dombivli, and Swapnali Kene, the winner from Ward 6 in Kalyan West, are said to have begun their political careers with the MNS before joining the Shiv Sena (UBT). Their sudden disappearance has raised serious concerns within the party about potential defections and the integrity of the electoral process.
Police Complaint and Allegations
Sharad Patil, the UBT's Kalyan East district chief, lodged a formal complaint at the Kolsewadi Police Station regarding the missing corporators. He has urged police to trace them using all available technological means, including CCTV footage, Call Data Records, and mobile tower locations. A senior police officer confirmed that the matter is being investigated.
Patil made serious allegations about "inducements" being offered to corporators, stating: "They got tickets from us, contested on our symbol, and won because people voted for the Shiv Sena (UBT). Now they have suddenly gone untraceable. This is a betrayal of the people of Kalyan."
The district chief further claimed that the Shinde Sena is attempting to lure away more UBT corporators, with promises of protection from disqualification even if the anti-defection law is applied. However, Patil emphasized that his party would initiate disqualification proceedings against anyone crossing over to the rival faction.
Failed Communication Attempts and Family Reactions
Patil revealed that all attempts to contact the four corporators have failed. "When we went to their houses, family members refused to tell us their whereabouts and even reacted aggressively," he stated. The party's efforts through phone calls, emails, and common contacts have yielded no results, leading to growing frustration and concern about the safety and freedom of the elected representatives.
In response to this crisis, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has taken the precautionary measure of formally registering its remaining seven corporators as a separate group within the KDMC. This strategic move aims to protect the party's interests and maintain its presence in the corporation while the search for the missing members continues.
The situation highlights the intense political maneuvering taking place in Maharashtra's local governance bodies, where control of municipal corporations has become a crucial battleground for state-level political supremacy. As the police investigation proceeds and political negotiations continue behind the scenes, the fate of KDMC hangs in the balance, with implications that could extend far beyond Kalyan-Dombivli to influence the broader political landscape of Maharashtra.
