Shrikant Shinde advised Sena-BJP leaders in Ambernath to work together for city development

AMBERNATH: Attempting to end the prolonged political tussle within the ruling alliance in Ambernath, Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde on Wednesday advised leaders and corporators of Shiv Sena and BJP to put aside past differences and work together in the interest of the city.

The rivalry between the two alliance partners had intensified after the Ambernath municipal council elections, where Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party by winning 27 seats independently. However, BJP managed to secure the crucial post of municipal council president, triggering a prolonged power struggle between the two sides.

In a bid to form the ruling majority, BJP had garnered support from 12 Congress corporators and four NCP members. Shiv Sena later countered the move by bringing the same four NCP corporators into its camp and claimed the required majority for control over the civic body. The shifting loyalties eventually led BJP to approach the court, resulting in escalating tensions between the two parties.

Due to the continued political conflict, several city development works in the municipal council reportedly remained stalled for a long period. Later, following court directions, the Thane collector ruled in favour of the Shiv Sena faction, dealing a setback to BJP’s claim over the majority.

Despite the strained relations, efforts towards reconciliation began last week after Shinde reportedly intervened and encouraged leaders from both parties to come together, especially considering that Shiv Sena and BJP are alliance partners in both the state and central governments.

However, some Shiv Sena corporators were still believed to be unhappy over the decision to align with BJP. Against this backdrop, Shinde, who visited Ambernath on Wednesday to review ongoing development works, addressed corporators and office-bearers from both parties and urged them to forget past disputes and jointly focus on development of the city.

Political observers believe Shinde’s intervention could help ease tensions and improve coordination between the alliance partners in the municipal council in the coming days.