KDMC Results: MNS Switches Sides, Boosts Shinde–BJP Combine

Power dynamics in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation have shifted after the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chose to back the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and ally BJP, giving the ruling side control of the civic body despite falling short of an outright majority in the polls.

In the 122-member house, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 53 seats and the BJP 50, leaving the alliance three short of the halfway mark, while Shiv Sena (UBT) took 11, MNS 5, Congress 2, and NCP (SP) managed 1 seat.

MNS support reshapes KDMC alliance picture

The move comes despite Raj Thackeray's MNS and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) contesting the civic election together, a local tie-up now weakened as the MNS switch gives the ruling bloc a clear edge and leaves the Uddhav camp particularly exposed in Kalyan-Dombivli politics.

MNS support guided by local calculations

MNS leaders said the decision followed internal discussions and was guided mainly by local priorities rather than state-level equations. According to the party, Raj Thackeray authorised local office-bearers to judge ground realities, and Kalyan-Dombivli functionaries preferred aligning with the ruling side to advance pending development projects.

The shift highlights how civic politics in Maharashtra often turn on post-poll deals, where numbers and neighbourhood issues matter more than pre-election alliances. With MNS backing, the Shinde–BJP combine now commands a decisive majority in the KDMC, shaping how local governance and projects move ahead.