Political Drama Unfolds in Ulhasnagar Civic Body
The political landscape of Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation became highly uncertain on Saturday. Both the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party launched determined efforts to form the next civic government. This follows the recent elections that delivered a fractured mandate.
Election Results Create Hung House
In the civic polls, the Shiv Sena, along with its local alliance partners, managed to secure 38 seats. This number falls short of a majority by exactly two seats. The Congress party won one seat. The total strength of the corporation is 78 corporators. To elect the mayor, a party needs the support of 40 members. This makes post-election alliances absolutely critical.
The BJP contested the Ulhasnagar elections independently for the very first time. The party emerged as the single largest party by winning 37 seats. This is one seat more than the Shiv Sena's own tally of 36. Buoyed by this strong performance, BJP leaders expressed confidence about controlling the civic body.
Both Parties Make Confident Claims
BJP's Ulhasnagar district president, Rajesh Vadhrya, made a bold claim. He stated that the BJP would soon install its mayor in Ulhasnagar. However, he did not clarify how the party plans to secure the support of the three additional corporators required for a simple majority.
On the other side, the Shiv Sena has been actively consolidating its position. The party secured the support of one corporator from the SAI Party and one independent. This takes its effective strength to 38 members. Sena's Ulhasnagar city chief, Rajendra Chaudhary, stated the party is confident of gaining the backing of the two VBA corporators. He believes this will allow them to take charge of the civic administration.
Key Player Emerges in Power Tussle
The leadership of the Shiv Sena has already initiated talks with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA). This party has two elected corporators. These two seats are now being seen as the key to power in Ulhasnagar. Whoever secures the VBA's support will likely form the next government.
Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Shrikant Shinde met with the newly-elected Sena corporators. He congratulated them on their electoral win. Meanwhile, an interesting development has sparked speculation. Corporators of the Team Omie Kalani (TOK) party, who were elected on the Sena symbol, are currently staying in an isolated location. This move is being watched closely amid the ongoing high-stakes negotiations.
The coming days will be crucial as both major parties scramble to gather the numbers needed for a majority. The fate of Ulhasnagar's civic administration now rests on the decisions of a few independent and smaller party members.
