In a significant political development ahead of the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation elections, the Shiv Sena, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has dealt a substantial blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The move came during a massive election rally where a prominent local BJP figure, along with several party office-bearers, crossed over to the Shiv Sena camp.
Key Defection Strengthens Shiv Sena's Position
The most notable shift was that of three-time corporator Prakash Nathani, who publicly quit the BJP and joined the Shiv Sena on stage. His defection was not an isolated incident, as a number of other BJP office-bearers also switched sides at the rally. This collective move is seen as a major boost for the Shiv Sena's prospects in the upcoming civic polls, significantly strengthening its local cadre and influence in Ulhasnagar.
The electoral battle in Ulhasnagar presents a unique scenario. While the Shiv Sena and BJP are contesting together as part of the 'Mahayuti' alliance in the neighboring Kalyan–Dombivli municipal corporation, they are locked in a direct fight in Ulhasnagar. Here, the Shiv Sena has allied with local partners Team Omie Kalani (TOK) and the Sai Party to contest all 78 seats. The BJP, which is the Shiv Sena's alliance partner in the state government, has decided to go it alone, contesting all seats independently.
Shinde's Sharp Political Barbs and Development Pitch
Addressing the gathering, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde launched a veiled attack on the Thackeray brothers, Uddhav and Raj, without directly naming them. He remarked, "When people played their band, they remembered their brand," suggesting a focus on symbolism over substance. He also accused the opposition of hypocrisy regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), stating that they praise the machines when they win but call them faulty upon defeat, a tactic he claimed the public has now seen through.
Shinde contrasted the situation with Kalyan-Dombivli, where he highlighted the strength of the Mahayuti alliance. He pointed out that 21 Mahayuti candidates have been elected unopposed and questioned the opposition's failure to even field candidates against them. He asserted that withdrawals happen not out of fear, but due to a lack of leadership and public support. He praised his son, MP Shrikant Shinde, as a visionary leader responsible for transformative development projects, declaring Kalyan-Dombivli a Mahayuti stronghold where the saffron flag will fly over the municipal government.
Emphasis on Unity and a 'Happy City' Vision for Ulhasnagar
In his address focused on Ulhasnagar, Shinde placed strong emphasis on communal harmony. He described the bond between the Marathi and Sindhi communities in the city as inseparable, "like sugar dissolved in milk." Sharing the stage with key allies like former MLA Pappu Kalani, Omie Kalani, and Sai Party president Jeevan Idnani, he underscored the importance of substantive leadership.
Reflecting on his tenure as chief minister, Shinde cited his government's initiatives, including the 'Laadki Bahin Yojana' for women's empowerment, which he vowed would never be discontinued. Concluding his speech, he laid out an aspirational vision for Ulhasnagar, expressing his dream to transform it into a "happy city" built on the pillars of development, unity, and trust. He expressed full confidence that the symbols of the bow-and-arrow (Shiv Sena) and the lotus (alliance partners) would emerge victorious in the coming civic elections.
