BJP Signals Potential Distance from Shiv Sena in Thane Corporation

Thane: A day after Mahayuti's victory celebrations, the Thane BJP on Saturday dropped subtle hints that it might distance itself from its ally, Shiv Sena, in the Thane House. However, the party emphasized that any such move would only be made after consulting the state leadership.

Addressing the media, BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar and district President Sandeep Lele called the party's performance in Thane and across Maharashtra encouraging. “We made inroads in several Thane wards. In 2017, we chose to play the role of a chowkidar and would do so again if needed now, and stay out of power,” they echoed. MLC Niranjan Davkhare emphasized that the party's focus remained on ensuring transparency and that all options remained open to achieve this.

While political circles were abuzz with theories of a potential fallout over the Mayor's post, the BJP claimed that “any decision” would be aimed solely at fulfilling its pre-poll promise of ensuring transparency in the corporation's functioning. Interestingly, the allies were, till late Friday, upbeat about anointing a Mahayuti Mayor to the Thane House, along with other corporations in the state where they won.

It may be recalled that the BJP during the 2017 board frequently accused the administration of corruption, incidentally during Sena's rule. The NCP also contested solo this time on the same agenda. Political circles, meanwhile, hinted that the BJP could either play the role of opposition or ally with others, but the possibility remained bleak considering the Sena majority at 75 seats in the 131-seat-strong House.

Meanwhile, the NCP-SP MLA Jitendra Awhad, on Saturday, claimed that if the allies were planning to split after claiming to be in an alliance for so long, then it was akin to cheating their voters.