In a development that has surprised Maharashtra’s political circles, the Shiv Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is reportedly considering extending cooperation to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation. The discussions centre on support from the five MNS corporators elected to the 107-member civic body.

The potential arrangement comes soon after MNS chief Raj Thackeray joined hands with his cousin Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls, a reunion that had drawn significant attention. While the BJP–Shinde Sena combine performed well in Mumbai, internal differences over key posts have continued to surface.

In Kalyan-Dombivli, the Shiv Sena (Shinde) emerged as the single largest party with 53 seats, closely followed by the BJP with 50. Although the two allies together comfortably cross the majority mark of 62, both are said to be staking claim to the mayoral position. In this backdrop, the five MNS councillors have assumed outsized importance, with their backing potentially altering negotiations over leadership and stability.

Speculation gained momentum after a meeting involving Shrikant Shinde, MP and son of the Chief Minister, Sena leader Naresh Mhaske, and MNS leader Raju Patil. While Mhaske dismissed suggestions of a rift within the Mahayuti alliance, he indicated openness to cooperation in the interest of civic development, stressing that such an understanding would be issue-based rather than ideological.

Raju Patil said the MNS was inclined to support a governing arrangement that ensures administrative stability and smooth functioning of the corporation. He added that Raj Thackeray has empowered local leaders to take pragmatic calls depending on regional realities, and clarified that the party was not negotiating for posts but seeking an end to constant power struggles.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from the Shiv Sena (UBT). Party MP Sanjay Raut accused those involved of political opportunism, warning that voters would not forgive what he described as betrayal of the mandate. He also urged the MNS leadership to clarify its stand, given its recent alignment with Uddhav Thackeray’s party.

As talks continue, the unfolding equation in Kalyan-Dombivli is being closely watched, with implications not just for the civic body but also for the broader balance within Maharashtra’s shifting political landscape.