Political Jockeying Intensifies Over Mayoral Post in Kalyan-Dombivli Civic Body

Kalyan, Jan 2026 : With elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra now concluded, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as the single largest party overall, while the BJP–Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) alliance has secured control over several key civic bodies. However, the political contest is far from over, as intense manoeuvring has begun over mayoral posts, particularly in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC).

In KDMC, the BJP and the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) contested the civic polls together as pre-poll allies. The results saw the Shinde-led Sena winning a higher number of seats than its alliance partner. Despite this apparent numerical advantage, post-election political equations have shifted, with the Shiv Sena managing to draw the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) into its fold, adding a fresh layer of complexity to the mayoral race.

Interestingly, the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) and the MNS had jointly contested the KDMC elections. However, the outcome of the polls has significantly altered alignments within the civic body. As speculation mounted over which party would secure the mayor’s post, an unexpected twist emerged on Friday, intensifying political chatter.

According to sources, both the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the MNS have collected nomination forms for the mayoral post from the KDMC secretariat. The Shiv Sena reportedly collected seven nomination forms, while the MNS picked up one, signalling its intent to remain a serious contender in the race. This development has sparked renewed debate in political circles, particularly given the evolving alliances.

Following the reservation draw, the mayoral post in KDMC has been reserved for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste category. As a result, three corporators are eligible and currently in contention—two from the Shiv Sena and one from the MNS. The Shiv Sena candidates are Kiran Bhangale and Harshali Thavil, while Sheetal Mandhari is the lone MNS nominee eligible for the post.

With the Shiv Sena enjoying numerical strength bolstered by MNS support, the mayoral post was widely expected to go to the Shinde-led Sena. However, the MNS filing its own nomination has reintroduced uncertainty, raising questions about last-minute negotiations and possible power-sharing arrangements.

At present, the presence of three contenders has set the stage for a closely watched contest. The deadline for filing nominations is Friday evening, and political observers are keenly watching the final moves that could influence the outcome.

Meanwhile, Harshala Chaudhary Thavil has formally filed her nomination for the mayor’s post. On the deputy mayor front, BJP leader Rahul Damle has entered the race. The nomination filings took place in the presence of Kalyan Member of Parliament Shrikant Shinde, MNS leader Raju Patil, and senior BJP office-bearers, underlining the high political stakes involved.

Whether these latest developments will significantly alter the expected political arithmetic in the KDMC mayoral election remains to be seen.