MNS to be in opposition in Kalyan-Dombivali

The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, which emerged as the second largest party in the Kalyan-Dombivli civic polls with 28 seats in the 107-member House, on Monday decided not to form the new civic government and work as an Opposition party.

"We have decided to sit in Opposition with 28 corporators respecting voter's opinion. Let any party claim the mayor's post, we will abstain from voting," Raj told reporters in Mumbai.

An independent from Dombivali, Saroj Bhoir, joined the MNS on Monday, taking the party strength to 28. Her husband Prakash is an ex-corporator from the Shiv Sena.

On a query if MNS was not seeking support from any other party, Raj said none of the parties are capable and therefore his party chose to sit in Opposition.

The MNS's decision has paved the way for Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance to form the government. However, with a fractured verdict, the alliance would need support from other parties or independent candidates.

The results of the KDMC polls have created confusion over the mayor post, as none of the parties has gained a clear majority.

In the 107-member House, the Shiv Sena bagged 31 seats, BJP 9, Nationalist Congress Party 14, Congress 15, MNS 28 and others 10.