Shiv Sena (UBT) Corporators Explain BJP Alliance to Party Chief Thackeray
In a significant political development, a group of seven Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators from Chandrapur met party chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence 'Matoshree' in Mumbai on Tuesday. This meeting occurred days after their controversial decision to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in capturing power in the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation.
Defending a Controversial Move
The corporators, led by district chief Sandeep Girhe, defended their action as a necessary step to "teach local Congress leaders a lesson." They alleged that Congress leaders had sidelined them during critical power-sharing negotiations, despite Shiv Sena (UBT) being an ally of the Congress in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition at the state level.
In Chandrapur, the Congress emerged as the single largest party but failed to secure a majority, requiring support from Shiv Sena (UBT) to form the ruling administration. According to Girhe, the Shiv Sena faction had sought a rotational arrangement for the mayoral post to ensure fair representation.
Allegations of Neglect and Insult
Girhe claimed that senior Congress leaders, including MP Pratibha Dhanorkar, did not give due consideration to their demands. He stated that Congress negotiators asserted the party could win the mayor's election with or without Shiv Sena (UBT)'s backing, which left the corporators feeling "insulted and ignored."
Although senior leader Vijay Wadettiwar was reportedly open to discussions, no formal assurance was provided by MP Pratibha Dhanorkar. With negotiations breaking down even on the morning of the election, the Shiv Sena (UBT) group entered into a last-minute understanding with the BJP.
Terms of the Agreement with BJP
Under this agreement, facilitated by BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar through the party's district president, a written pact was signed. It promised Shiv Sena (UBT) the mayor's post for 15 months in the second half of the term, along with the position of deputy mayor in the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation.
Thackeray's Response and Guidance
During the meeting, Uddhav Thackeray did not endorse the corporators' decision to ally with the BJP. However, he advised them to remain committed to public service and uphold party principles at all times. Thackeray emphasized the importance of safeguarding the party's identity and organizational strength.
Sandeep Girhe conveyed that Thackeray's message was clear: while participating in governance for citizen welfare, the corporators must not dilute the party's principles or allow its independent voice to weaken. This guidance underscores the delicate balance between political pragmatism and ideological integrity in Maharashtra's complex political landscape.
