MNS Leader Defends Corporators' Support for Shinde Faction in Kalyan-Dombivli
In a significant political development, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader and former MLA Raju Patil has publicly defended his party corporators' decision to support the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation. This move comes just one day after MNS chief Raj Thackeray expressed strong disapproval of the political maneuvers within the municipal corporation.
Protection Against Poaching
Patil stated unequivocally that the alliance was formed primarily to safeguard MNS corporators from being poached by rival political groups. "The support was extended to protect my corporators from getting poached elsewhere," he admitted during his explanation. This revelation highlights the intense political competition and vulnerability of elected representatives in Maharashtra's municipal politics.
Clarifying the Nature of Support
The MNS leader emphasized that his party has not formally joined the administration but has merely extended support to the Shinde faction. "We have only extended support to the Shinde faction; we have not joined the administration," Patil clarified. "To do that, one must form a separate group, which we haven't done." He further stressed his responsibility toward his party members, stating, "My corporators must get justice, and it is my responsibility to care for their political future."
Political Context and Background
The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation represents a crucial political battleground, particularly as it serves as the home turf of Maharashtra BJP President Ravindra Chavan. In recent times, numerous local leaders from both MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) have defected to the BJP, significantly weakening opposition forces in the region.
Patil launched a veiled attack on political opponents without naming anyone directly: "Everyone gets opportunities in politics. But if someone claims to be a friend while poaching city presidents, district presidents, and women's wing heads, if a party is constantly working to break my party, I am not so naive that I wouldn't recognise it." He concluded with a pointed remark: "A generous enemy is better than a deceitful friend."
Raj Thackeray's Reaction
During an event commemorating Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray's birth anniversary at Shanmukhananda Hall, Raj Thackeray expressed profound disappointment with the current political climate. "Today, a market of slaves has opened in the country and in Maharashtra," he remarked. "Looking at this market in Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, and elsewhere is truly nauseating." Thackeray added emotionally, "Seeing all this, I feel it's for the best that Balasaheb is not here. How distressed would he have been to see this?"
Strategic Implications
The political dynamics in Kalyan-Dombivli reveal several important trends:
- Increasing vulnerability of corporators to poaching by rival parties
- Strategic alliances forming as defensive measures rather than ideological partnerships
- Growing fragmentation within traditional political structures in Maharashtra
- Intense competition for local leadership positions and influence
Patil confirmed that Thackeray had been informed about the decision in advance, suggesting some level of internal party coordination despite the public expression of disapproval. The situation continues to evolve as political realignments reshape Maharashtra's municipal landscape.
