MUMBAI, Feb. 7 -- Ajit Raorane, the sole corporator elected from the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) in the 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, has announced his decision to support Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the civic body. Raorane, who represents Malad East, had defeated BJP candidate Vinod Mishra in a closely watched contest, with strong backing from Marathi voters in the constituency. His victory stood out in an election where the NCP (SP) otherwise failed to open its account in Mumbai's civic body. The announcement has come as a surprise within political circles, as the NCP (SP) had fought the BMC elections in opposition to the Mahayuti, of which the Shinde-led Shiv Sena is a key constituent. Raorane, however, said his decision was guided by local civic priorities rather than broader political alignments. Explaining the shift, Raorane said he had received assurances from Eknath Shinde that long-pending issues in his ward would be addressed and that adequate budgetary allocations would be made for development works. "He has assured me that my concerns will be taken up and that funds will be provided for my locality. I will also support his nomination for the post of mayor," Raorane told HT. Results of the civic polls for all 277 wards in Mumbai were declared on January 16. htc...