Old rivals unite again as Shiv Sena–BJP form power alliance in Ulhasnagar

ULHASNAGAR: Ulhasnagar has once again witnessed a dramatic political realignment as long-time rivals—the Pappu Kalani group and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—came together to form the ruling alliance in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation. The development was formalised on Tuesday with the unopposed election of Ashwini Kamlesh Nikam as Mayor from Shiv Sena and BJP’s Amar Lund as Deputy Mayor.Ashwini Nikam, elected on the Shiv Sena symbol, represents Team Omie Kalani (TOK), led by the influential Kalani family. With no rival nominations filed, both key civic posts were decided unopposed, formalising a power-sharing arrangement between Shiv Sena and the BJP under the Mahayuti banner.

The 78-member civic body saw a closely contested election. Shiv Sena, along with its allies—the SAI Party and independents—secured 38 seats, while the BJP emerged with 37 corporators after contesting independently and campaigning aggressively against the Shiv Sena–TOK alliance. Despite the intense rivalry during the polls, Shiv Sena later secured the support of two corporators from the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi to cross the majority mark.

Interestingly, even after attaining the required numbers to form the government on its own, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde chose to align with the BJP, mirroring the Mahayuti partnership at the state and national levels.

This post-election alliance placed the BJP in an awkward position, as it had fought much of the campaign on an anti-Kalani plank in Ulhasnagar, only to now share power with leaders associated with the Kalani group who were elected on the Shiv Sena symbol.




With the alliance in place, the ruling coalition now commands 77 of the 78 seats in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation, leaving the Congress—with just one corporator—as the lone opposition party.The latest alliance is politically significant given the turbulent history between the Kalani family and the BJP. Pappu Kalani, a once-dominant and controversial figure in Ulhasnagar politics, and the BJP have traditionally been staunch rivals. In 2018, however, Kalani-backed leaders aligned with the BJP, resulting in Pancham Kalani becoming Mayor. That partnership later collapsed, with Kalani supporters switching sides to Shiv Sena and removing the BJP from power. The current arrangement, though seemingly reluctant, marks yet another shift in Ulhasnagar’s fluid political landscape.

Congratulating the newly elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde said the return of the Mahayuti to power in the civic body would usher in a new phase of development. He said that just as the Mahayuti is working under Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra, the alliance would now work collectively in Ulhasnagar to transform the city.Mayor Ashwini Nikam said her focus would be on the all-round development of the city, with priority given to basic civic amenities. Deputy Mayor Amar Lund expressed confidence that the alliance would ensure stable governance and timely implementation of development projects.