The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s decision to support the Eknath Shinde–led Shiv Sena in the Kalyan–Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has triggered sharp reactions from the Shiv Sena (UBT), with senior leader and MP Sanjay Raut warning that the move could have consequences for the MNS–Sena (UBT) understanding.

In Maharashtra, the real post-election battle is unfolding not between rival alliances, but within the Mahayuti itself. The BJP–Shinde Sena power tussle is now centred around three key municipal corporations — the BMC, Thane (Eknath Shinde’s home turf), and Kalyan-Dombivli or KDMC  — with the BJP even threatening to sit in opposition in Thane and KDMC to counter Shinde’s pressure tactics for the BMC mayor’s post. The fractured verdict in KDMC, where the Shiv Sena fell short of a majority, has turned post-poll alliances into leverage points, with the MNS emerging as an unlikely power broker.

Raut said he has spoken to both Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray on the issue, adding that the Sena (UBT) chief has taken a serious view of the development. “The Kalyan–Dombivli issue is extremely serious. This cannot be brushed aside by calling it merely a local-level decision. If any local leadership works against the party’s core ideology, then the party leadership must take disciplinary action against them and suspend them,” Raut said.

Drawing a parallel with past political action, Raut added, “Just as the Congress expelled its 12 corporators who joined hands with the BJP, a similarly strict decision is expected here as well. Some people leave parties purely for selfish reasons. Raj Thackeray has also expressed displeasure over such tendencies.”

Raut also took a swipe at leaders who switch sides after elections. “Those who keep switching parties are political psychopaths. People who get elected on the Shiv Sena symbol and then help another faction must face immediate action. The party leadership should clearly convey that it does not agree with such behavior,” he said.

Attacking the Shinde-led faction, Raut said, “The Shinde group is the AIMIM among Marathi people. They are dishonest and anti-Maharashtra. Those who betrayed Balasaheb Thackeray and Maharashtra should not be associated politically under any circumstances.”

The KDMC election had thrown up a fractured verdict. In the 122-member corporation, the Shiv Sena won 53 seats, narrowly ahead of the BJP, which secured 51. The majority mark stands at 62, making post-poll support crucial.

On Wednesday, the Shiv Sena registered its group at Konkan Bhavan in Navi Mumbai and submitted a claim before the Konkan divisional commissioner, asserting its position as the single largest party in the civic body.

MNS corporators were also present then. MNS leader Raju Patil met Shiv Sena MPs Shrikant Shinde and Naresh Mhaske, following which the MNS formally extended support to the Shinde Sena and the announcement was made.