BJP, Sena likely to tie-up for Maha civic polls

Mumbai, Mar 25: BJP and Shiv Sena, the ruling alliance partners in Maharashtra government, are likely to tie-up for the elections to Navi Mumbai and Aurangabad municipal corporations to be held on April 22.

"We feel that having an alliance will benefit both the parties," state BJP unit president Raosaheb Danve told reporters after meeting Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence 'Matoshree' in suburban Bandra.

"The party workers feel that there should be an alliance. We feel that having an alliance will prove beneficial to both the parties," Danve said.

The BJP has backed Sena candidate for the April 11 Bandra East Assembly seat bypoll, Danve said.

Asked about former Chief Minister Narayan Rane contesting as Congress nominee from the seat, Danve said, "Rane would be in a better position to say what fate awaits him in the bypoll."

To a query on differences over several issues between the two parties, Danve said, "Where two people live, something is bound to happen. However, everything is alright (between BJP and Sena)," he said.

The local office bearers will decide on seat-sharing for the civic polls, he said.

Meanwhile, MIM MLA Imtiyaz Jaleel today alleged that the Sena, which has ruled the Aurangabad civic body for the better part of last 25 years, is responsible for financial mismanagement in the civic body.

"Officials are called to Matoshree to discuss local development issues. What is the reason for this?" Jaleel said.

PTI