ULHASNAGAR: In Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation, where BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting separately, some of the hottest seats feature four heavyweight former BJP corporators who switched sides just a month before the elections. These leaders left BJP and joined Team Omie Kalani, now contesting election on Shiv Sena’s symbol under Team Omie Kalani’s quota.BJP has fielded fresh faces against them, intensifying the battles on these seats. Facing off against these two-to-five-time winners are BJP’s new candidates, turning the contests into fierce showdowns.The veteran corporators are seeking votes based on their past achievements during their terms. Their opponents counter by calling these seats BJP strongholds and accusing the defectors of failing to deliver for their areas despite receiving major posts from BJP.The public will decide whether experience or new faces prevail on these seats. Not just local residents, but state leaders are watching closely—these four corporators’ defection to Shiv Sena ally TOK sparked a major uproar at the state level, as BJP corporators rarely switch parties so quicklyThe contests have intensified, with both sides aggressively campaigning and raising sharp questions about performance, loyalty and local development. In Panel No. 6, two out of four former corporators, Mahesh Sukhramani (three time former corporator) and Jaya Makhija, wife of former two time corporator Prakash Makhija, are contesting on the Shiv Sena symbol with TOK support. They are facing BJP candidates Deepak Chatlani and Hema Pinjani. Chatlani is known among Ulhasnagar’s business community and is seen as someone well-versed in civic issues, while Pinjani is a new face who has been associated with social work for several years. Panel No. 2 has also emerged as a high-profile contest. Former BJP district president and five-time corporator Jamnu Puruswani and two time former corporator Ram Parwani are contesting from this panel. The BJP has fielded advocate Bharat Shivnani against Puruswani and Sandhya Marathe against Ram Parwani’s wife Savita.Shivnani is a well-known lawyer who was once considered a close supporter of the Kalani camp, while Marathe is associated with social service and is being projected as a fresh and credible face by the BJP. Among the four former corporators, Jamnu Puruswani stands out as a five-time BJP corporator who has held several key positions, including that of Standing Committee Chairman. Prakash Makhija has also served multiple terms as Standing Committee Chairman. All four were once considered major faces of the BJP in Ulhasnagar, making their defection and current contest politically significant. Speaking to TOI, Mahesh Sukhramani said the four veterans have consistently worked for their wards over several years and stood by residents during both good and difficult times. “We are confident that the people will once again give us an opportunity to serve and continue development in our areas,” he said. On the other hand, BJP candidates have launched a strong counter-narrative. Hema Pinjani alleged that despite years in power, basic issues such as broken roads, poor sanitation and water problems remain unresolved in these wards. “We may be new to politics, but people want change. If given a chance, we will work sincerely to solve these long-pending problems,” she said. Deepak Chatlani echoed similar sentiments, claiming that the response during campaigning has been encouraging. “Voters are frustrated with unresolved civic issues and are keen to give new candidates an opportunity,” he said. As campaigning enters its final phase, these high-profile seats have become a litmus test not just for the candidates involved, but also for the broader political strategies of the BJP and Shiv Sena–TOK alliance. The outcome will be closely watched not only by Ulhasnagar residents but also by state-level leaders, as it could shape future political realignments in the region.The Shiv Sena is contesting UMC election with local ally TOK and SAI party. However BJP contesting against them on all 78 seats due to which contest has become intresting due to direct fight because TOK candidates are also contesting on Shiv Sena’s symbol.
