Kalyan: Madhur Mhatre, a  Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) corporator expelled from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), has now joined the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, marking a significant political development.

In the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), 11 corporators were elected from the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction. Out of these, 10 corporators united to form the party’s official group. However, Madhur Mhatre chose not to align with this group. To enforce party discipline, the senior leadership issued him three consecutive show-cause notices, giving him opportunities to clarify his stance and participate in the official group.

Despite these repeated notices, Mhatre failed to respond and continued to stay away from party activities. His persistent refusal to comply with party directives was viewed as a serious breach of discipline. Consequently, the party leadership decided to take strict action and expelled him.

Following his expulsion, Mhatre publicly joined the Shiv Sena in the presence of party chief and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

This development also carries legal implications. As per the Maharashtra Local Authorities Members Disqualification Act, 1986, if an elected corporator switches parties after being elected on a particular party’s ticket, it may be treated as “voluntary desertion.” Additionally, ignoring repeated party notices and refusing to participate in the official group further strengthens such claims.

In this context, the party may initiate disqualification proceedings. “Voluntary desertion” could be examined through evidence before the competent authority, and a final decision regarding Mhatre’s position as corporator may be determined through legal or judicial process.