-1766823964940.webp)
Thane Municipal Corporation Elections: Political tempers are flying high in Maharashtra ahead of the civic bodies elections in the state. The BJP-led Mahayuti and Shiv Sena (UBT)-led Maha Vikas Aghadi are already going toe-to-toe against each other for the Thane Municipal Corporation election, scheduled for January 15.
Amid the fierce political contest, the Mahayuti is staring at fissures with the BJP, led by Chief Minister Fadnavis, and Shiv Sena, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, facing off against each other. Both parties have begun their separate campaigns for the polls.
The Thane constituency is considered a stronghold of Eknath Shinde. However, a prolonged disagreement between the BJP and Shiv Sena has led to the separation of the two allies, who rule the Maharashtra Assembly together.
The BJP has put up numerous banners throughout the city, carrying the slogan "Namo Bharat Namo Thane." Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena, angered by the BJP's move, has also begun campaigning separately.
ALSO READ: Hapur Crime: Man Shot Three Times On Way To Temple In Babugarh; Condition Critical
Failed Seat Sharing Talks
The issue has been accentuated after the failed seat-sharing talks, which were held earlier today. Negotiations over how to divide seats, particularly in key municipal bodies like the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), have become a major point of contention between the alliance partners, delaying a formal pact.
While both sides have reportedly agreed on arrangements for some civic bodies, such as Kalyan-Dombivli, discussions over the BMC’s 227 seats remain unresolved. According to media reports, the Shiv Sena is pushing for a higher share (of nearly 100 seats) while the BJP is not willing to concede more than 75 seats.
BJP, Shiv Sena To Contest BMC Separately
With a few days before the grand showdown at the BMC elections, the BJP and Shiv Sena are yet to announce their alliance, giving clear-cut indications that both parties are likely to enter the fray alone.
However, according to political experts, cited by Jagran.com, if both parties contest the elections alone, it could dent the chances of Eknath Shinde in the upcoming elections, given the massive popularity of the BJP and their performances in the recently concluded Assembly elections.
To contain the situation, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had already warned all the BJP leaders in a closed-door meeting that no one should make any offensive remark against the political allies. Last week, CM Fadnavis categorically ordered BJP leaders not to make derogatory statements about Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP leaders.
When Will Thane Municipal Corporation Election Take Place?
The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) will take place on January 15 with 28 other municipal corporations, including the Rs 75,000-crore worth Brihannmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), while the vote counting will take place on January 16.