Shiv Sena–BJP rift over LoP appointment in Maharashtra civic body

Tensions between alliance partners Shiv Sena and BJP came to the fore in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation after a stormy general body meeting over the appointment of the Leader of Opposition.

The controversy erupted when Mayor Ashwini Kamlesh Nikam, at the end of the general body meeting, declared the lone Congress corporator as the Leader of Opposition in the 78-member house.

The move triggered sharp protests from BJP corporators, who opposed the decision and alleged procedural violations. Despite the uproar, the mayor proceeded with the decision and initiated the national anthem, effectively concluding the proceedings.

BJP leaders accused Shiv Sena of violating “alliance dharma” and taking the decision without prior discussion in the coordination committee.

BJP group leader Rajesh Vadhrya claimed that, as per legal provisions, a single-member party like Congress does not qualify for the post of Leader of Opposition, and that BJP was the rightful claimant.

“The issue was brought up suddenly in the House without any prior consultation. This is a betrayal of alliance trust,” Vadhrya said, adding that the party would raise the matter with senior leadership and seek guidance on whether to continue the alliance in the civic body. He also said BJP is considering challenging the mayor’s decision in court after taking permission from state leaders.

BJP leaders further alleged that this was the second instance in which the mayor had pushed through a decision in a similar manner by abruptly introducing the subject and concluding proceedings with the national anthem.

Corporators also staged a protest against the municipal secretary, accusing officials of not conducting proceedings as per rules. Later, BJP members also demonstrated outside the office of Municipal Commissioner Manisha Awhale.

Responding to the allegations, Shiv Sena leader Kamlesh Nikam, husband of the mayor, defended the move, stating that the appointment of the Leader of Opposition is the mayor’s right. “Since Congress is the only party in the opposition, the mayor exercised her power to appoint its corporator to the post,” he said.

Nikam also questioned BJP’s claim, saying, “If BJP is part of the ruling alliance, how can it stake claim to the Leader of Opposition post?”

The incident has exposed growing unease within the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance in Ulhasnagar, with the dispute likely to escalate further in the coming days.


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