A significant protest by Shiv Sena workers erupted in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Monday evening, casting a shadow over the party's potential electoral alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming municipal elections. The workers gathered outside the residence of party minister Sanjay Shirsat to voice strong opposition to any seat-sharing deal with the BJP, demanding instead that the party contest the polls independently.
Internal Dissent and Ticket Denial Sparks Agitation
The protest gained momentum following an announcement by Sena district president Rajendra Janjal that he would not contest the municipal poll, stating he wished to make way for others. The situation at the Sena office turned emotional when the city women's wing president, Sharada Ghule, broke down after being denied a ticket. Ghule claimed local leaders had promised her a ticket but withdrew their support at the last moment. "I have dedicated my prime years to the party, working tirelessly during assembly and Lok Sabha elections. Asking for a municipal ticket is not a favour, it's my right," she asserted.
Addressing the agitated workers, Minister Sanjay Shirsat attempted to calm the situation. He assured the gathering that a collective decision would be made and efforts would be undertaken to ensure fairness. While confirming that a seat-sharing proposal had indeed been received from the BJP, Shirsat refrained from disclosing any specific details.
Seat-Sharing Negotiations and Potential Flashpoints
On the other side, local BJP members remained guarded, revealing only that the proposal had been sent to the state leadership for final approval. A senior BJP member indicated that Wards 1, 17, 22, and 27 have emerged as major points of contention. The member added that if a full-fledged alliance does not materialize, friendly contests between BJP and Sena candidates in some wards are likely. The BJP's plan, as suggested, is to contest more seats than the Shiv Sena in the municipality.
Amidst the turmoil, speculation was rife that the Sena leadership had instructed finalized candidates to file their nominations. However, local leaders denied issuing any such directives. So far, Hrishikesh Jaiswal, son of Sena MLA Pradeep Jaiswal, remains the only prominent figure to have filed his nomination papers for the elections scheduled for January 15.
Opposition Alliances and Candidate Lists Take Shape
While the ruling alliance grapples with internal discord, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is moving forward with its plans. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP) held discussions on Monday to chalk out their joint strategy for the polls. Meanwhile, other parties have been actively declaring their candidates:
- The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) released its third list of candidates.
- The NCP announced its second list.
- The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) declared its first list, naming four candidates for the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) elections.
The protests and internal disagreements highlight the complex political maneuvering and high stakes involved in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar municipal elections, setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle.
