Four corporators of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) from the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) are reportedly not traceable. This has led the party to file a complaint amid concerns that they could switch sides, as per a report by Hindustan Times. The development has added fresh heat to the political contest in the 122-member KDMC, where the numbers are tight and every corporator is crucial.
As per the Hindustan Times report, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiva Sena is closing in on the majority mark of 62, with support from five Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) corporators. The Shinde faction has 53 corporators, whereas its ally has 50. The report mentions that if the Shinde-led camp gets support from the five corporators and the four missing Sena (UBT) corporators, it could achieve the halfway mark that is needed to take control of the civic body.
Why are these four corporators essential for the KDMC numbers?
The concerns have arisen from the calculation in a closely fought house. Shiv Sena (UBT) has 11 corporators in KDMC, but only seven have officially registered as a group with the Konkan divisional commissioner. There are also claims that two corporators are in touch with the Shinde-led Sena, whereas others are missing. It has raised further trouble in the Uddhav Thackeray camp.
What action has Shiv Sena (UBT) taken so far?
Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut stated that the party has informed the police because their corporators were “missing” and has warned of public naming and shaming “We filed a complaint with the police as our corporators are missing. We will put out posters in the KDMC…they were elected on our symbol,” Raut stated, as quoted by Hindustan Times. He also added that they ”choose a different path” soon after winning.
The complaint was registered at Kolsewadi police station by local Sena (UBT) leader Sharad Patil, the report added. The corporators who are missing are Rahul Kot, Swapnil Kene, Madhur Mhatre and Kirti Dhone. However, a senior police officer has stated that no missing persons case has been lodged, as the corporators seem to have acted on their own will.
The current political storm in KDMC and the sudden disappearance of the corporators have triggered allegations of possible defections and poaching.