Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has attempted to downplay the tensions between the Shiv Sena and its ally BJP in the Thane Municipal Corporation, describing the recent confrontation between corporators as “minor bickerings” that would eventually be resolved, reported PTI.
The remarks came days after a stormy general body meeting at the civic body witnessed heated exchanges, protests and allegations between corporators from both parties.
Chaos erupted during Thane civic body meeting
The dispute began during the Thane Municipal Corporation’s general body meeting held on Friday, where BJP corporators objected to the Shiv Sena pushing through 232 resolutions together, reported PTI.
The BJP corporators protested against the move, leading to noisy scenes inside the meeting hall.
Soon after the meeting, BJP corporators, including Deputy Mayor Krishna Patil and party group leader Mukesh Mokashi, lodged a complaint at the Naupada Police Station, reported PTI.
The complaint accused Shiv Sena corporators Manoj Shinde and Rajesh More of allegedly disrespecting the national anthem during the proceedings.
Shiv Sena counters BJP allegations
The Shiv Sena later hit back with its own accusations against BJP corporators.
Shiv Sena corporator Manoj Shinde wrote to Thane Mayor Sharmila Pimplolkar on Monday demanding immediate suspension of BJP corporators accused of disrespecting the national anthem, reported PTI.
In his letter, Manoj Shinde alleged that BJP members violated civic rules, raised slogans against the Shiv Sena and aggressively moved towards the mayor’s podium during the meeting.
He further claimed that the behaviour of BJP corporators created an atmosphere of insecurity inside the municipal headquarters and demanded registration of a police case against them, reported PTI.
Eknath Shinde says pending issues will be sorted out
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the office of a Shiv Sena leader at the TMC headquarters on Monday, Eknath Shinde dismissed speculation about a major rift within the ruling alliance.
“Minor bickerings happen between parties and corporators, and these will be resolved. The pending issue of the various committees and nominations will also happen in due course,” Shinde said, reported PTI.
His comments are being viewed as an effort to ease tensions between the BJP and the Shiv Sena faction led by him, particularly in Thane, which is considered one of the party’s strongest political bases.
Dispute highlights strain within alliance partners
The incident has once again highlighted growing friction between the BJP and the Shiv Sena in local civic administration despite both parties being allies in the Maharashtra government.
The disagreement over civic resolutions, committee appointments and allegations linked to the national anthem has triggered sharp political exchanges over the past several days.
(With inputs from PTI)
