Hung House: Shiv Sena, BJP vie for Ulhasnagar mayor’s post; VBA emerges kingmaker

ULHASNAGAR: The political scene in Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation turned uncertain on Saturday with both Shiv Sena and BJP making determined efforts to form the next civic govt.In the civic polls, Sena along with its local alliance partners secured 38 seats, falling short of a majority by two seats.

The Sena leadership has initiated talks with Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), which has two elected corporators and is now being seen as the key to power.

Congress has also won one seat. With a total strength of 78 corporators, the figure required to elect the mayor is 40, making post-election alliances crucial.The BJP, which contested Ulhasnagar elections independently for the first time, emerged as the single largest party by winning 37 seats - one more than Shiv Sena's 36.

Buoyed by this performance, BJP leaders expressed confidence that they would control the civic body. BJP's Ulhasnagar district president Rajesh Vadhrya claimed BJP would soon install its mayor in Ulhasnagar, though he did not clarify how the party would secure the support of the three additional corporators required for a majority.Meanwhile, the Sena has consolidated its position by securing the support of one corporator from the SAI Party and one independent, taking its strength to 38.

Sena's Ulhasnagar city chief Rajendra Chaudhary stated that the party is confident of gaining the backing of the two VBA corporators and taking charge of the civic administration. Kalyan LS MP Shrikant Shinde met newly-elected Sena corporators and congratulated them on their win. Meanwhile, corporators of Team Omie Kalani (TOK) party, who were elected on the Sena symbol, are currently staying in an isolated place. The move has sparked speculation amid ongoing negotiations.