Thane, February 24 Relations between the Mahayuti alliance partners, the BJP and the Shiv Sena, reached a critical point in the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) on Tuesday, a day after chaos erupted in the general body meeting.
The discord led to a series of demands from the BJP and a sharp warning from the Shiv Sena leadership.
The first general body meeting of the TMC on Monday began with a turbulent start after the civic administration's decision to skip the question-and-answer session and pass proposals without discussion sparked a heated exchange between the ruling allies, the BJP and the Shiv Sena.
A day after the uproar in the House, the BJP demanded that all future House proceedings be broadcast live online.
BJP corporator Namrata Koli formally petitioned civic commissioner Saurabh Rao and the mayor for mandatory live online broadcasts of all future meetings starting March 5. Koli argued that citizens were left in the dark as important proposals were lost in the commotion.
She argued that a live broadcast is essential to ensure transparency and keep citizens informed about the decision-making process.
Reacting to the uproar, Shiv Sena group leader Pawan Kadam issued a stern rebuttal to the BJP's increasing aggression.
Kadam warned, "If you (BJP) act as watchmen, the 'hunter' of Tembhi Naka is still ready."
Tembhi Naka in Thane city served as the primary base of operations and residence of the late Anand Dighe, the mentor of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Kadam dismissed the BJP's allegations regarding unfair fund distribution as baseless, noting that both parties contributed to city projects under the leadership of Deputy CM Shinde.
Adding to the friction, BJP corporator Archana Manera accused Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar of intentionally avoiding a decision to make the full six-stanza recitation of 'Vande Mataram' mandatory.
BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar also warned of "double aggression" if there are attempts to muzzle the party.