Shinde's Shiv Sena Sidelines BJP in Ulhasnagar Mayor Race

• Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena is attempting to sideline BJP in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation, mirroring a strategy used in Kalyan-Dombivli.
• The Shinde faction formed a 40-member group, including 36 Shiv Sena corporators, two from VBA, and two from a local alliance, to claim power in the 78-member Ulhasnagar civic body.
• BJP, despite being the largest single party with 37 seats, fell short of a majority, creating an opportunity for Shinde's maneuver.
• In Kalyan-Dombivli, Raj Thackeray's MNS supported the Shinde faction, enabling it to secure the mayor's post over BJP.
• These developments highlight growing friction within Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti alliance, as Shinde consolidates influence in the Thane–Kalyan belt.

Why It Matters: Shinde's Shiv Sena is strategically outmaneuvering BJP in municipal elections, causing friction within the Mahayuti alliance.