Shiv Sena Demands Key Posts in Nashik & Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Civic Bodies
In a significant political development, Shiv Sena has intensified negotiations within the Mahayuti alliance by demanding the posts of deputy mayor and standing committee chairperson in the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC). This move comes ahead of the crucial mayoral elections scheduled for February 6, highlighting the ongoing power dynamics within the ruling coalition.
Demands Extend to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
The political maneuvering is not limited to Nashik alone. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where a special meeting to elect the mayor is set for February 10, Shiv Sena is also aspiring for the deputy mayor position. Although the party has not yet formally presented this demand, district president Rajendra Janjal indicated that once campaigning for zilla parishad elections concludes, they will press for their claim.
Background of NMC Election Results
The demand follows BJP's decisive victory in last month's NMC elections, where it contested independently and secured 72 out of 122 seats, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 62. Meanwhile, other Mahayuti partners, Shiv Sena and NCP, contested jointly and won 26 and four seats respectively. Despite BJP's ability to form the ruling dispensation on its own, Shiv Sena has emphasized the need for "due respect" through key post allocations to ensure meaningful cooperation.
Kumbh Mela Coordination and Power-Sharing Models
Former MP Hemant Godse pointed out that the upcoming Kumbh Mela, scheduled for next year, requires coordinated efforts. He stated that Shiv Sena is willing to work either in power with BJP or in opposition, depending on leadership decisions. "If BJP expects us to stand together ahead of the Kumbh Mela, then appropriate posts should be given to our party. Ultimately, we have to work for the people, whether in power or in the opposition," he remarked.
Shiv Sena politicians have also referenced the power-sharing agreement in Thane Municipal Corporation as a model. In Thane, Sena won 75 out of 131 seats, while BJP secured 28. "In Thane, Sena is ready to offer the post of deputy mayor to BJP. A similar model should be adopted in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar also," a Sena leader suggested.
BJP's Stance and Internal Dynamics
BJP city chief Sunil Kedar reiterated that all three Mahayuti partners—BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP—should function jointly within the NMC, as they already share power in the state government and at the Centre. "No party should put forth conditions if we are to work together in the civic body," he asserted.
However, BJP politicians in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar sounded non-committal on offering the deputy mayor post to Shiv Sena. A local BJP functionary, preferring anonymity, noted, "We are just one corporator short of securing the magic figure to claim a majority in the House of 115 corporators in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation. We will be forming an alliance with Sena, but the state leadership will take a final decision on giving up the post of deputy mayor. We are against it."
State Leadership to Decide
The local unit of Shiv Sena stated that the state leadership would be apprised of party workers' aspirations for the deputy mayor post, with the final call expected from deputy CM Eknath Shinde and CM Devendra Fadnavis. This underscores the broader state-level implications of these local negotiations, as both parties navigate their alliance ahead of critical civic elections.
