The upcoming elections for the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) have been electrified by a major political shift, setting the stage for intense direct fights. In a significant blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), four of its heavyweight former corporators switched allegiance to the Shiv Sena's local ally, Team Omie Kalani (TOK), merely a month before the polls. These seasoned politicians are now contesting on the Shiv Sena's symbol, while the BJP has retaliated by fielding new candidates against them, turning these seats into high-profile battlegrounds.
Veterans vs New Faces: The Key Contests
The political drama centers on four former BJP corporators, all with significant electoral experience and past key positions within the civic body. Jamnu Puruswani, a five-time corporator and former BJP district president, and Prakash Makhija, a two-time former corporator, are among the notable defectors. The BJP's strategy has been to counter these veterans with fresh faces, promising change and accusing the incumbents of neglecting local development despite their long tenure.
In Panel No. 6, the contest features former three-time corporator Mahesh Sukhramani and Jaya Makhija, wife of Prakash Makhija, who are fighting on the Shiv Sena ticket with TOK's backing. They are challenged by BJP candidates Deepak Chatlani, a figure known in the local business community, and Hema Pinjani, a social worker entering the political fray. Similarly, Panel No. 2 has become a high-stakes arena where Jamnu Puruswani and former two-time corporator Ram Parwani (with his wife Savita contesting) face BJP's advocate Bharat Shivnani and social worker Sandhya Marathe.
Narratives of Development and Accusations of Failure
The campaigning has intensified with both sides presenting sharply contrasting narratives. The veteran corporators are appealing to voters based on their track record and years of service. "We have consistently worked for our wards over several years and stood by residents," said Mahesh Sukhramani, expressing confidence in receiving a renewed mandate for development.
In response, the BJP's new candidates are highlighting unresolved civic issues to build a case for change. Hema Pinjani alleged that basic problems like broken roads, poor sanitation, and water supply persist in these wards despite the veterans' long rule. Deepak Chatlani echoed this, stating that voter frustration with these pending issues is encouraging for new candidates. The BJP is framing these seats as its traditional strongholds and labeling the defectors as disloyal figures who failed to deliver despite holding major posts like Standing Committee Chairman.
A Litmus Test with State-Level Repercussions
These contests have transcended local politics, attracting attention from state-level leaders. The swift defection of four prominent BJP faces to the Shiv Sena-TOK alliance caused a considerable uproar, as such crossovers are rare. The outcome here is seen as a litmus test for the political strategies of both the BJP and the Shiv Sena-TOK-SAI alliance. With the BJP contesting all 78 seats separately against this alliance, the direct fights, especially on these key seats, will be crucial.
As campaigning reaches its final phase, the public's verdict will decide whether electoral experience or the promise of new leadership prevails. The results will not only determine the civic leadership of Ulhasnagar but could also influence future political realignments in the region, making this a closely watched electoral battle.
