India, Aug. 10 -- A local BJP leader has alleged rigging in ward formation in the Kulgaon-Badlapur Municipal Council, to favour a "particular political party" ahead of the upcoming elections to local bodies in the state. The allegation, which all but names the Shiv Sena, goes beyond exposing alleged irregularities; it is an extension of differences between the BJP and Sena at the grassroots level.

Although the two parties are allies in the Mahayuti government, they regard each other as rivals in Thane's local politics. This is a fallout of the ongoing cold war between chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, who is also the Sena chief.

In Badlapur, BJP MLA Kisan Kathore has alleged that officials of the ...