Campaigning for the crucial Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation elections has intensified, with a public spat between alliance partners adding significant political heat. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena are contesting separately in this city, setting the stage for a direct contest.
Pawar's 'Bow-and-Arrow' Dig Sparks Controversy
The political temperature rose when former BJP MLA Narendra Pawar took a direct swipe at the Shiv Sena. He claimed that the "dadagiri (bullying) of the bow-and-arrow symbol will not work in Ulhasnagar." Drawing parallels with recent results, Pawar stated that such dominance was already defeated in the Ambernath and Badlapur municipal council elections and would meet a similar fate in Ulhasnagar.
Shrikant Shinde's Call for Alliance Discipline
Responding to these remarks, Shiv Sena MP from Kalyan, Shrikant Shinde, addressed the issue during the inauguration of party offices for candidates and workers in Ulhasnagar. He advised leaders of the Mahayuti (the grand alliance) to maintain restraint and avoid making public statements against each other.
Shinde clarified the alliance's flexible strategy, noting that while the Shiv Sena and BJP are contesting together in several municipal corporations, they are fighting independently in some places, including Ulhasnagar. He pointed to the recently concluded municipal council elections across Maharashtra, where partners contested separately in many locations but avoided verbal attacks and still secured strong results. He stressed that a similar, disciplined approach should be followed now.
Alliance Review and Development Pitch
During his visit, Shrikant Shinde, along with District Chief Gopal Landge, TOK Chief Omie Kalani, and MLA Balaji Kinikar, met Shiv Sena candidates across the city to review campaign status. He informed workers that in Ulhasnagar, the Shiv Sena, TOK, SAI, and RPI are contesting together as an alliance.
Shinde expressed confidence, stating the atmosphere is positive and favourable for the alliance panels. To bolster his party's campaign, he highlighted key development works undertaken in the city, including:
- Construction of cement concrete roads.
- Laying of underground drainage pipelines.
- Establishment of no-cash counter hospitals.
- Ongoing work on a new sports stadium.
He asserted that these initiatives have been widely appreciated by citizens. Shinde expressed confidence that voters, considering the work done by Shiv Sena and its allies, will ensure a decisive victory for the alliance candidates in the upcoming polls.
