In a startling development that has sent shockwaves through local political circles, four newly elected corporators of the Shiv Sena (UBT) from Kalyan East have been reported untraceable for several days. Party leaders have confirmed that a formal missing persons complaint has been lodged with the police, raising serious concerns about their safety and whereabouts amidst a volatile political climate.
Police Complaint Lodged Amid Growing Concerns
Shiv Sena (UBT) district chief Sharad Patil took the decisive step of filing the complaint at Kolsewadi police station in Kalyan. In his submission, Patil specifically requested a comprehensive technical investigation into the disappearance, urging authorities to examine CCTV footage and call detail records to trace the missing individuals. "Two of the four corporators fall within my jurisdiction, and our concern for their safety compelled us to approach the police formally," Patil stated emphatically.
He further elaborated on the party's position, saying, "Following instructions from the party leadership, we decided to lodge this complaint. If the corporators are safe and sound, they should come forward and clarify their position before the media to alleviate all doubts." This move underscores the gravity of the situation and the party's determination to ensure the safety of its elected representatives.
Heightened Political Activity in KDMC
This concerning development unfolds against a backdrop of intense political maneuvering within the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) following recent post-election realignments. The political landscape has shifted dramatically with significant alliance changes that are reshaping power dynamics.
MNS Extends Support to Shinde-Led Shiv Sena
Earlier this week, in a strategic move that has altered the political arithmetic, five corporators of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), under the leadership of Raj Thackeray, formally extended their support to the Shiv Sena faction headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This alliance has substantially strengthened the ruling coalition's numerical advantage within the civic body.
The formal group registration of corporators was conducted at the Konkan divisional commissioner's office, where representatives from both the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the MNS were present together, solidifying their political partnership. This consolidation has injected fresh momentum into ongoing negotiations concerning the crucial mayor's post, making the timing of the corporators' disappearance particularly significant.
Post-Election Political Landscape
In the recently concluded KDMC elections, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena emerged as the largest party with 53 seats in the 122-member House. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) followed closely with 50 seats, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) secured 11 seats. The MNS won five seats, with Congress claiming two and the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) obtaining one seat.
The disappearance of four Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators at this critical juncture raises questions about political stability and the safety of elected representatives during periods of intense political realignment. As investigations proceed, all eyes remain on Kalyan East for further developments in this unfolding political drama.
