KDMC Corporator Madhur Mhatre Wins Defection Case

Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) corporator Madhur Umesh Mhatre has received relief in a defection case after Konkan Divisional Commissioner Rubal Agarwal dismissed a disqualification petition filed against him.

The petition was filed by Shiv Sena (UBT) group leader Umesh Borgaonkar and district chief Sharad Patil, alleging that Mhatre had joined the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on March 16.

Mhatre denied the allegations, stating that he had already been suspended and expelled from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction on March 15. He argued that merely meeting a leader could not be treated as joining another political party.

After hearing both sides, the Divisional Commissioner found that the petitioners had failed to produce sufficient and concrete evidence to establish that Mhatre had voluntarily given up his party membership.

The order also noted that the petitioners remained absent on the final date of the hearing. In view of the lack of adequate evidence, the disqualification petition was dismissed.

The Commissioner did not issue any directions regarding costs. With the dismissal of the petition, Mhatre’s membership as a KDMC corporator from Ward No. 13 remains intact.

This ruling provides Mhatre significant relief and allows him to continue as a member of the civic body, while the petitioners’ allegations of defection have not resulted in his disqualification.

The case highlights the complexities of party affiliations and the procedures for disqualification in local governance.

Mhatre's victory in the case is expected to have implications for the political landscape in Kalyan.

The KDMC corporator can now focus on his duties without the uncertainty of the defection case hanging over him.

The dismissal of the petition is a significant development in the ongoing political dynamics in the region.

In conclusion, the dismissal of the defection petition against Madhur Mhatre is a major relief for the KDMC corporator, allowing him to continue his term without interruption.