Ulhasnagar: The BJP-Sena feud in Ulhasnagar has taken a sharp and personal turn, with the BJP alleging that the entry of people associated with the Kalani group — which it described as having a “criminal DNA” — was deliberately damaging the BJP-Sena alliance. All 37 BJP corporators also unanimously declared that they would not work for Shiv Sena MP Dr Shrikant Shinde, son of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, in the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency in future elections.In a counterattack, Shiv Sena leader and husband of Ulhasnagar mayor Ashwini Nikam, Kamlesh Nikam, who is close to the Kalanis, directly targeted Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan, alleging that several criminal cases were registered against him and describing him as a “member of the Manchekar gang”. The allegations against Chavan could not be independently verified.The confrontation follows the bitter dispute over the appointment of seven nominated corporators in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC). The local BJP leadership has decided to withdraw from the civic alliance with the Sena and sit in opposition. It has conveyed the decision to the party’s senior leadership, which will take the final call on whether the BJP will formally continue its alliance with the Sena in the UMC.BJP district president Rajesh Vadhrya, MLA Kumar Ailani, Ex-District President Pradeep Ramchandani and other local leaders held a news conference and said their differences were not with traditional Shiv Sainiks, whom they claimed continued to maintain cordial relations with the BJP. They alleged that the entry of people associated with the Pappu Kalani group into the Sena and the shelter and post of Mayor given to him by Shrikant Shinde had changed the political equation.The BJP alleged that despite the BJP having 37 corporators, Mayor illegally gave the BJP only two of the seven nominated posts instead of four, while five went to the Sena and its supporters instead of three being given to them as per their strength in the civic body. It plans to challenge the mayor’s decision in court.Sena UMC group leader Arun Ashan rejected the allegations, claiming the BJP had not fully supported Shrikant Shinde in the previous election. He said the Sena had supported BJP candidates, including Sulabha Gaikwad, Ravindra Chavan and Kumar Ailani, and warned that the Sena would work against the BJP’s three MLAs if the confrontation continued.Nikam demanded Chavan’s removal as state BJP president, saying his continuation would widen the alliance rift.Vadhrya later held a news conference and hit back, saying Nikam had no standing to target the state BJP chief. He alleged that former MLA Pappu Kalani, despite being sentenced to life imprisonment, secured release after submitting a false health report. He also alleged cases against Omie Kalani, Nikam and Manoj Lassi.The dispute escalated on Saturday night when some BJP office-bearers allegedly threatened to confront Nikam over his remarks against Chavan. Police reached the spot, while Sena workers later gathered outside Nikam’s house in support. Police increased security and both groups subsequently dispersed.The episode has now moved beyond the nominated-corporator row, putting the local Mahayuti alliance under serious strain.
