Ward formation sparks discontent within Mahayuti in Thane, Navi Mumbai

by Webdesk
26 Aug 2025

Tensions Rise in Mahayuti Over Thane–Navi Mumbai Ward Formation

THANE/NAVI MUMBAI: As the September 4 deadline for submitting suggestions and objections to the draft ward maps approaches, political turbulence has gripped the Mahayuti alliance. The demarcation of wards in Thane and Navi Mumbai has sparked fierce disputes—not just within the ruling partners but also with the Opposition. Each party is anxiously guarding its turf, closely watching how the new electoral boundaries are being drawn.

The civic body elections, scheduled after the 2024 assembly polls in which the BJP-led Mahayuti secured a sweeping victory, carry enormous significance. For both the ruling coalition and the Opposition, these elections are a test of strength and a chance to expand their influence at the local level. Ward formation is especially sensitive, as neighbourhoods tend to support specific leaders or parties. Redrawing boundaries can tilt results dramatically, sometimes by as little as 50–100 votes.

Currently, the process of restructuring wards in Thane—considered a stronghold of Deputy CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde—and Navi Mumbai, dominated by BJP minister Ganesh Naik, has unsettled the political balance. Each faction accuses the other of trying to carve into its base. Meanwhile, in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, NCP leaders allege that the ward formation exercise has been manipulated to give the BJP an upper hand. NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule even demanded more transparency, calling for a week’s extension in the deadline, citing the ongoing festive season.

Navi Mumbai’s “Political Surgery” Allegations

Sharp differences have emerged between the BJP and Shiv Sena in Navi Mumbai over the draft prepared for the NMMC elections. Supporters of BJP strongman Ganesh Naik have accused Sena of “political surgery,” claiming the draft was crafted in Thane to weaken Naik’s decades-old grip on the satellite city.

A senior BJP leader alleged that ward boundaries were redrawn “illogically” to fracture traditional BJP strongholds, describing it as “a murder of democracy carried out on a map.” According to the leader, the new boundaries were not drafted by neutral election authorities but by Sena loyalists who used “a surgeon’s knife to cut out BJP’s voter base.”

The BJP pointed to Ward 14 as an example. It includes 14 villages newly brought under NMMC, alongside established areas like Pawane and Turbhe—territories traditionally favouring BJP. The party claims this was a calculated attempt to dilute its influence. Sena, however, defended the process, saying it followed transparent procedures.

Ganesh Naik has so far remained quiet publicly but has reportedly told party members in closed-door meetings that he is aware of the “game” being played against his loyalists. He assured them of a “decisive fight” and hinted at presenting his case to CM Devendra Fadnavis. Former BJP Navi Mumbai chief Ramchandra Gharat also criticised the changes, pointing out that his stronghold of Turbhe had been broken up and merged with distant Sanpada.

Sena’s Navi Mumbai chief, Kishore Patkar, countered that the municipal commissioner had followed Supreme Court orders while integrating 14 villages into the existing 111 wards. He admitted that some Sena corporators too had been affected, stressing that not all demands could be met.

Political Unease Spreads

The rift between BJP and Sena has alerted Mahayuti’s third partner, the NCP, as well as the Opposition MVA. NCP’s Namdeo Bhagat described the changes as “politically motivated,” while Shiv Sena (UBT) leader M.K. Madhvi alleged that his family’s traditional wards had been split to favour rivals, calling it “ward chori” in addition to “vote chori.”

The NMMC, however, has maintained that the process is provisional, with suggestions and objections still open for review. Officials insist all submissions will be carefully considered before final ward maps are confirmed.

Thane’s Draft Sparks BJP Protests

In Thane, BJP leaders have raised objections to the draft, alleging that the demarcation unfairly benefits Shiv Sena. The city has 131 wards, of which Sena won 67 in the 2017 polls. After the 2022 split, these councillors sided with Shinde, bolstering Sena’s strength to 80 with support from defectors from NCP and MNS. BJP leaders now argue that the draft has been prepared to ensure Sena retains its dominance by merging favourable areas into their wards.

Thane BJP chief Sandeep Lele said he has received complaints from several local leaders, stressing that “wards should be created for citizens, not political advantage.” Recently, BJP leaders even hinted at contesting Thane alone, asking Ganesh Naik to hold public meetings to counter Shinde’s influence.

While local leaders voiced strong criticism, senior BJP leader Ashish Shelar dismissed claims of alliance cracks, saying differences of opinion did not mean conflict. Sena spokesperson Sheetal Mhatre also underlined that this was only a draft and mistakes could still be corrected. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar too downplayed the dispute, urging leaders to raise grievances within party platforms and accept the final decision of authorities.

As of now, Eknath Shinde has remained silent on the matter, though political circles expect the issue to heat up further as the deadline approaches.

Image Courtesy:

02 Jan 2026

BMC Elections

Ward formation sparks discontent within Mahayuti in Thane, Navi Mumbai

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