Responding cautiously to queries on whether the Shiv Sena (UBT) might stake a claim to the mayor’s post, Mungantiwar said negotiations were confidential and commenting publicly would breach political decorum. While he declined to name the allies involved, it is evident that only the Shiv Sena (UBT)–Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) group, which has the backing of 10 corporators, can help the BJP secure a majority in the CMC.“Talks with potential allies had reached a decisive stage, enabling the party to cross the “magic figure” required to control the civic body,” he told reporters.The former minister expressed confidence that the agreements would ensure a stable administration and the smooth conduct of the upcoming mayoral election. “A written agreement to this effect is expected to be signed soon by BJP rural district president Harish Sharma,” he added. According to the party’s plan, the general body meeting scheduled for February 10 is expected to witness formal backing from the parties involved in the negotiations. As part of the emerging power-sharing arrangement, certain key posts in the municipal setup are likely to be distributed among supporting allies.Mungantiwar confirmed that detailed consultations had already been held with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP state president Ravindra Chavan, and that preparations for the mayoral election were complete. He also stated that he had discussed funding and development priorities for Chandrapur with the CM, who assured him of full administrative support.Responding to another query, Mungantiwar added that some parties earlier aligned with the Congress, including the Bharatiya Shetkari Kamgar Paksh, had been contacted but were currently not in a position to extend direct support to the BJP.
