Shiv Sena clears 232 proposals within minutes, riles BJP

Thane: The Friday general body meeting of the Thane Municipal Corporation witnessed high drama after 232 agenda proposals finalising policy decisions and undertaking civic works worth several crores were cleared within minutes without any discussions by the ruling Shiv Sena. This triggered sharp protests from the BJP over what it later called a “procedural bulldozing” by its ally based on its absolute majority.

Tensions escalated after Sena members led by leader of the House Hanmant Jagdale pushed for a blanket approval of all remaining agenda items following a nearly five-hour discussion on a calling attention motion moved by Sena corporator Rajesh More. This triggered instant objections from the BJP, whose group leader Mukesh Mokashi and other corporators insisted that questions raised by corporators be discussed before discussing the proposals.

Even as municipal secretary Manish Joshi assured the House that detailed written replies to all questions would be circulated to members, the BJP corporators staged a sit-in protest in front of Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar even as the meeting was declared concluded.

Following this, BJP members raised slogans against the Sena outside the civic headquarters, accusing them of arbitrary functioning. The episode underscored rising friction within the ruling alliance, with the BJP — despite being in power — continuing to take an aggressive stand against the Sena’s handling of the House.

Deputy Mayor Krishna Patil and Mukesh Mokashi reiterated that the BJP would continue to oppose the practice of clearing large numbers of civic proposals without detailed discussion. Earlier, even the AIMIM wrote to the Mayor demanding proper deliberation on agenda items before approvals.

Meanwhile, senior BJP corporator Sanjay Waghule and Mrunal Pendse approached the Naupada police, claiming that two Sena corporators abruptly started singing the national anthem, which led to immediate adjournment of the House proceedings and showed disrespect to the same.