Maharashtra Alliance Cracks: Shinde Sena, MNS Join Forces in Kalyan-Dombivli, BJP Outmaneuvered

• The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured MNS support in Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), strengthening its bid for the mayor's post.
• This move is surprising as Shinde is a rival of Raj Thackeray's alliance partner, Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT).
• In the 122-member KDMC, Shiv Sena won 53 seats and BJP 51; the majority mark is 62, making post-poll alliances crucial.
• Shinde Sena's alliance with MNS (58 corporators) bypasses BJP, despite both being part of the ruling Mahayuti, causing tension.
• Similar power plays are observed in Ulhasnagar, where Shinde Sena is gaining support, leaving BJP with limited scope.

Why It Matters: Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti alliance shows cracks as Shinde Sena partners with MNS, sidelining BJP in civic bodies.