Shiv Sena UBT Corporator Kirti Dhone Emerges for KDMC Mayoral Election Amid Absence Controversy
In a dramatic turn of events, Shiv Sena UBT corporator and advocate Kirti Dhone, who had been untraceable since mid-January, made a surprise appearance for the mayoral election in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) on Tuesday. Dhone's return comes after weeks of speculation and party efforts to locate her and three other missing corporators, raising questions about internal discipline and political allegiances within the faction.
Background of the Disappearance and Speculations
The four corporators from Shiv Sena UBT vanished from contact soon after the civic body election results were declared on January 16. This sudden disappearance fueled widespread rumors that they might be considering a switch to the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The local Sena (UBT) leaders, unable to reach these individuals, escalated the matter by approaching the Thane police for assistance and even putting up posters in KDMC areas, declaring the corporators as missing and appealing for information on their whereabouts.
Party leaders, including Sanjay Raut, had publicly stated that the corporators were not responding to calls or messages, while opposition parties claimed ongoing communication between the missing members and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. This situation added tension to the ongoing contest for control of the civic body, highlighting the fragile political dynamics in Maharashtra.
Dhone's Explanation and House Proceedings
When contacted after her appearance, Kirti Dhone clarified that she had been away for religious reasons and was not actually missing. She emphasized, "I was in touch with senior party leaders and have placed my side before them. My health is not good. I will speak at the right time." During the mayoral election, Dhone was seen actively participating in the House proceedings, wearing a Sena (UBT) scarf adorned with the party symbol Mashaal and sitting alongside her party colleagues.
With Dhone's presence, six out of the nine Sena (UBT) corporators attended the House under the leadership of group leader Umesh Borgavkar. However, the remaining three corporators—Madhur Mhatre and two others—stayed away despite a party whip, further complicating the situation.
Consequences for Absent Corporators and Future Implications
In response to the absences, Umesh Borgavkar announced that show-cause notices had been issued to the three missing corporators for violating party discipline. He stated, "They have been asked to explain their absence. After their replies are received, a decision will be taken." When questioned about reports suggesting that two of the absent corporators might resign, Borgavkar declined to comment, leaving the matter open to further developments.
Among those absent, corporator Madhur Mhatre had been out of contact for over two weeks, with his family earlier informing the media that he was on a religious trip. Although Mhatre returned home a few days prior to the election, raising hopes of his attendance, he ultimately did not show up for the House proceedings. His close ties to Shiv Sena leaders and a post-election meeting with Thane MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde have fueled ongoing speculation about a potential political switch.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by Shiv Sena UBT in maintaining unity and discipline among its members, especially in the volatile landscape of Maharashtra's local body politics. The mayoral election in KDMC has become a focal point for these internal struggles, with potential repercussions for future electoral strategies and coalition dynamics in the region.
