According to an English daily, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray might end up in alliance following the results of the Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC) elections.
The Shiv Sena won 52 seats in the elections while the MNS has won 9. Together, the two parties hold 61 seats, just enough for a majority. Now, the uncle of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, Chandrakant Vaidya, is trying to get the two warring cousins to ally in order to form a government in the KDMC.
"Fortunately, Raj's MNS has nine corporators, which is enough for Uddhav's Shiv Sena. I am trying both together, at least to reach the magic figure of 61. I have spoken to both about it," Vaidya, known as Chandumama, told the news daily.
"Uddhav is almost ready but Raj said that he will think about it and let me know," said Vaidya, the brother of Uddhav's mother Meenatai and Raj's mother Kundatai.
Vaidya added, "I will try my best. Both should come together, it is my dream. This is the right opportunity for both to work together for the development of Kalyan-Dombivli. Even the Marathi manoos of Kalyan-Dombivli would like to see them together."
But the Shiv Sena is reportedly looking towards the BJP for an alliance. The two parties together have 94 seats - with 42 for BJP. The main issue is sharing of the mayor's post, and chairmanship of committees. Uddhav is in touch with the BJP and Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on the issue. Earlier this week, Uddhav had offered a fig leaf, telling BJP to 'let bygones be bygones'. The two parties have been warring over several issues, including the ink attack on former BJP ideologue Sudheendra Kulkarni.
Another option both parties are exploring is wooing independents, who have won 9 seats.
The mayor will be elected on November 11, during Diwali. KDMC commissioner E Ravindran said to the news daily that filing of nomination papers for the post will take place from November 7 to 9. From the Shiv Sena, potential candidates for the post include Dipesh Mhatre, Mallesh Shetty, Rajendra Develekar and Ramesh Mhatre. Dipesh Mhatre, son of senior Sena leader Punadlik, is a three-time corporator and is said to be a strong contender.
