BJP-Shiv Sena rift deepens in Ulhasnagar over co-opted corporators, BJP threatens to quit alliance

The clash between the BJP and the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) in Ulhasnagar has intensified. The friction within the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation stems from the election of co-opted corporators. The BJP is the ruling party in the corporation, and it has now announced that it is walking out of the alliance and of the corporation's election process.

Seven co-opted corporators were elected to the corporation, five from the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and two from the BJP. The BJP has since taken an aggressive stand.

BJP MLA Kumar Ailani and BJP district president Rajesh Wadharia held a press conference, where both set out their own and the party's position. At the same press conference, the BJP said clearly that it would not support Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde in any election.

During the election of co-opted corporators, the nominations of two of the BJP's four candidates were rejected on technical grounds. A dispute then arose over choosing alternative candidates for the BJP's seats. In the end, five Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) candidates and two BJP candidates were elected as co-opted corporators. The BJP has objected to the entire process.

The party has also indicated that it will take the matter to court. The BJP is now saying it will move court over this election. The episode appears to have opened a major rift between the BJP and the Shiv Sena in the Ulhasnagar corporation.

At the press conference, BJP leaders also sharply criticised Kamlesh Nikam, husband of Mayor Ashwini Nikam. The dispute, which began with the election of co-opted corporators, has now reached the future of the alliance itself. The alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) appears likely to split.

The BJP's aggressive stand has put Ulhasnagar politics and the corporation in the spotlight. All eyes are on what happens in the coming elections.