Political Realignment in Ulhasnagar as Rivals Form Ruling Alliance
In a significant political development, Ulhasnagar has once again experienced a dramatic shift in its political landscape. Long-standing rivals—the Pappu Kalani group and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—have come together to establish the ruling alliance in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation. This surprising coalition marks a notable departure from their traditional adversarial relationship.
Formalization of the Alliance
The alliance was officially formalized on Tuesday with the unopposed election of key civic posts. Ashwini Kamlesh Nikam, representing Team Omie Kalani (TOK) and elected on the Shiv Sena symbol, was appointed as Mayor. Simultaneously, BJP's Amar Lund was elected as Deputy Mayor. With no rival nominations filed, both positions were decided without opposition, cementing the power-sharing arrangement between Shiv Sena and the BJP under the Mahayuti banner.
Election Dynamics and Post-Poll Maneuvering
The 78-member civic body witnessed a closely contested election. Shiv Sena, along with its allies—the SAI Party and independent candidates—secured 38 seats. The BJP emerged with 37 corporators after contesting independently and campaigning aggressively against the Shiv Sena–TOK alliance during the polls. Despite this intense rivalry, Shiv Sena later garnered support from two corporators of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi to achieve the majority mark.
Interestingly, even after attaining the necessary numbers to form the government independently, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde opted to align with the BJP. This decision mirrors the Mahayuti partnership observed at both the state and national levels, highlighting a strategic political alignment.
Awkward Position for BJP
This post-election alliance has placed the BJP in an awkward position. Throughout much of the campaign, the party had vehemently opposed the Kalani group in Ulhasnagar, only to now share power with leaders associated with the Kalani faction who were elected on the Shiv Sena symbol. This turn of events underscores the fluid and often unpredictable nature of local politics.
Dominant Coalition and Minimal Opposition
With the alliance firmly in place, the ruling coalition now commands an overwhelming majority, holding 77 of the 78 seats in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation. This leaves the Congress, with just one corporator, as the sole opposition party. The coalition's dominance is expected to facilitate smoother governance and decision-making processes.
Historical Context and Political Significance
The latest alliance holds considerable political significance given the turbulent history between the Kalani family and the BJP. Pappu Kalani, a once-dominant and controversial figure in Ulhasnagar politics, and the BJP have traditionally been staunch rivals. However, in 2018, Kalani-backed leaders aligned with the BJP, resulting in Pancham Kalani becoming Mayor. That partnership later dissolved, with Kalani supporters switching sides to Shiv Sena and ousting the BJP from power.
The current arrangement, though seemingly reluctant, represents yet another shift in Ulhasnagar's ever-evolving political landscape. It reflects the pragmatic alliances often formed in municipal politics to secure governance and development objectives.
Statements from Key Leaders
Congratulating the newly elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde expressed optimism about the alliance's impact. He stated that the return of the Mahayuti to power in the civic body would usher in a new phase of development. Shinde emphasized that, similar to the Mahayuti's collaborative efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra, the alliance would work collectively in Ulhasnagar to transform the city.
Mayor Ashwini Nikam outlined her priorities, focusing on the all-round development of Ulhasnagar with special attention to basic civic amenities. Deputy Mayor Amar Lund expressed confidence that the alliance would ensure stable governance and the timely implementation of development projects, benefiting the residents of Ulhasnagar.
