One month after Uddhav and Raj Thackeray's symbolic reunion, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has extended its support to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). This decision creates a new political alignment in the region and could potentially impact the relationship between MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT), who contested recent elections together.

In the 122-member KDMC, the Shiv Sena won 53 seats, closely followed by the BJP with 50 seats. With MNS contributing five seats, the Mahayuti alliance, comprising Shiv Sena and BJP, now commands a total of 108 seats in the KDMC. This alliance ensures their control over the civic body and the upcoming mayoral election.

Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde confirmed MNS's support, stating that any party willing to support Shiv Sena for development is welcome. He added that MNS likely believes that collaboration is essential for development, hence their support for the Mahayuti. Shinde also mentioned local MNS leader Raju Patil's support for the alliance. Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will make the final decision regarding the alliance.

The move is considered a setback for Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), which secured 11 seats in the KDMC elections and contested the polls in alliance with MNS. During the group registration process, only seven Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators were present, leading to speculation that some may be considering joining the Shinde camp or MNS. Shiv Sena (UBT) has sought disqualification proceedings against corporators suspected of aligning with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, citing defection norms.

MNS leaders have indicated that Raj Thackeray authorized local leaders to make decisions based on ground realities. They conveyed that the decision to back the Shinde-led Shiv Sena was taken in the interest of development in the Kalyan-Dombivli region. While MNS leader Avinash Jadhav stated that final clearance from Raj Thackeray was still pending, Mumbai MNS chief Sandeep Deshpande said that local units can make their own decisions.

This development comes shortly after Uddhav and Raj Thackeray paid homage together at the Bal Thackeray memorial, sparking speculation about a potential reunion of the Thackeray family's political ideologies. This joint appearance aimed to reactivate the Marathi voter base ahead of crucial civic body elections. However, MNS's support for the Shinde-led Shiv Sena suggests a divergence in strategies, at least in the KDMC.

The BJP has been steadily gaining ground in Maharashtra, evident from the recent civic body elections. While various factions vie for Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy, the BJP appears to be effectively catering to the state's evolving demographics. The BJP secured a significant number of corporator seats across municipal corporations, with the Shinde faction also performing well, except in Mumbai.

The MNS's decision to support the Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the KDMC marks a significant shift in local politics. It remains to be seen how this alliance will impact the broader political landscape of Maharashtra and the relationship between the Thackeray cousins.