Cracks in alliance?: After KDMC, Sena-Congress front challenges BJP in Mira Bhayandar

Although the BJP and the Shiv Sena remain allies in the Maharashtra government and at the Centre, the Eknath Shinde-led party has opted to be part of the opposition in the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) by joining hands with Congress corporations, against the BJP.

This development highlights the ongoing tension between the Shiv Sena and the BJP across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), extending beyond previous flashpoints such as Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), Thane and Navi Mumbai.

The BJP won a comprehensive victory in the 2026 Mira-Bhayandar civic elections, winning 78 of the 95 elected seats. Five more corporations remain to be nominated. Despite the BJP’s overwhelming majority, opposition parties have begun to consolidate within the civic body.

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who is from the Shiv Sena, said corporators of the Congress and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena have come together to form a joint opposition front called Mira-Bhayandar City Development Front or Shahar Vikas Aghadi.

However, Sarnaik clarified that the grouping is neither a merger nor a formal alliance with the Congress. “Opposition corporators have formed a group to ensure that the gross majority of a particular party is not misused and that there is space for the opposition in the MBMC,” he said.

He added that the alliance was formed in the interest of local residents. “People of Mira-Bhayandar have united against a corrupt local BJP leader. We will not allow anything bad to happen in the municipal corporation. Sixteen corporatists have united across the city, leaving aside their political affiliations,” Sarnaik said.

The opposition bloc currently comprises 13 Congress corporators, three from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and one independent, taking its total strength to 17. As per municipal rules, the largest opposition party or alliance is entitled to the post of opposition leader, representation in the Standing Committee and nomination rights.

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Sources said discussions between the Congress and Shiv Sena on formal registration of the group and appointment of a group leader are in the final stages. An official presentation is expected shortly to the municipal commission, after which the opposition leader will likely be named.

Political observers say this development underscores the contrast between power-sharing arrangements at the state level and politics at the civic level.

The BJP has criticized the move, saying it validates its earlier allegation of a tacit understanding between the Congress and the Shiv Sena during the elections. BJP leaders said the development exposed what they described as a “double standard” adopted by the opposition.

Vallabh Ozarkar is chief correspondent for The Indian Express’s Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on Maharashtra politics, governance and infrastructure. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting offers high standards of expertise and reliability. Experience and Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai Bureau. Geographic Specialization: Provides exclusive and in-depth coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state’s decision-making in Mumbai. Central Authority: His reports demonstrate deep expertise in critical and often complex state issues, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and the opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts and crucial electoral updates, including local body polls and disputes between municipal corporations. Governance and policies: Coverage focused on important state policies, such as the review of Mumbai’s ‘pagdi system’ (rent control of old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g. accountability of the Ladki Bahin Yojana). Infrastructure and Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects including the Mumbai Water Metro, the Uttan-Virar sea link and the development of the Thane Metro. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, Cabinet decisions, and reports on liability issues and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience in your current role: Your role at The Indian Express, a leading national daily, validates the credibility and standard of your reporting. Professional Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets including Mumbai Mirror and DNA – Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: Its work consistently analyzes complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing its reputation as a trusted source of hard-hitting, ground-level news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh… Read more

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