BJP-Shiv Sena Rift Deepens As Eknath Shinde Steps Into Mira-Bhayandar Civic Dispute
Fresh tensions have surfaced within Maharashtra’s ruling alliance after the Urban Development Department reportedly moved to halt or review key resolutions passed by the BJP-controlled Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC), triggering political unease between the BJP and the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The latest confrontation revolves around growing friction between BJP MLA Narendra Mehta and Shiv Sena minister Pratap Sarnaik, with the dispute now spilling beyond local politics into the state administration.
Despite holding a clear majority in the Mira-Bhayandar civic body, the BJP’s recent actions against projects and individuals allegedly linked to the Shiv Sena faction have intensified political hostilities within the alliance. Several resolutions cleared during MBMC general body meetings are believed to have directly affected institutions and office-bearers associated with the Shinde-led Sena camp.
One of the major flashpoints is the controversial Town Park project in Mira Road, which had earlier been handed over to a private contractor under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. The project has reportedly remained under the influence of local Shiv Sena functionaries.
The BJP had repeatedly accused the project operators of carrying out illegal construction activities and violating terms agreed upon with the Municipal Corporation. The issue had also become a major campaign point during civic elections in the region.
After assuming control of the corporation, BJP members pushed through a resolution seeking cancellation of the contractor’s agreement and demolition of alleged unauthorised structures linked to the project.
However, political sources claim leaders affected by the move approached Deputy CM Shinde, following which the Urban Development Department stepped in and sought a detailed report from the Municipal Corporation regarding the resolution and related actions.
The intervention has reportedly upset BJP office-bearers in the region, who view the move as direct interference in decisions taken by an elected civic body where the BJP commands a majority.
