BJP, Sena may go solo in Thane, Navi Mumbai civic elections

NAVI MUMBAI: Political observers suggest that the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is on the verge of a fracture in Navi Mumbai and Thane with both parties likely to contest the municipal elections in the two cities separately. The divide between the allies has deepened amid mutual allegations as the civic elections approach.

Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde and industries minister Uday Samant recently launched a fierce attack on BJP ’s Airoli MLA Ganesh Naik ahead of the elections.

The Shinde-Naik rivalry has only intensified over the past few days, signalling a potential face-to-face contest as the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance considers splitting for the municipal elections.

Naik has previously criticised Shinde, besides declaring himself the tallest leader in Thane district.

Shinde criticised Naik’s janata darbar model and his assertions of political dominance. He said that Thane, which was once a Congress stronghold, is now a Shiv Sena bastion. Shinde also targeted Naik’s family members, who hold key posts, emphasising that the Shiv Sena is a party of the common man.