BMC elections: Shiv Sena keeps everyone guessing

It has been over three days since the results of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections were announced. The stalemate however continues with both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiv Sena unable to strike common ground and form an alliance. The BJP and Sena, with 82 and 84 seats respectively, each fell short of the 114 mark.

Many in the RSS feel that the BJP and the Sena should rule the BMC together. The RSS feels that the Sena entering into an alliance with the Congress which has 31 seats would be wrong as that would be against the people's mandate. Even if both parties come together, the leaders need to agree on who would get the coveted mayor's post.

The Sena has said that the mayor would be from their party. Many in the RSS have suggested that the post of mayor should be on a rotation basis. Since the Sena has bagged more seats, the party should get to choose the mayor for the first two-and-a-half-years.

In the midst of this deadlock, there is speculation that the Sena would seek the support of the Congress. With the support of the Congress, the SS would be in a comfortable position to rule the BMC. However, the Congress says that it would not back the Sena. The BJP too has said that there is no question of taking the support of the Congress to rule the BMC.

It is reliably learnt that Shiv Sena chief Udhav Thackerey had sent his emissaries to meet with the Congress, who have offered the post of deputy mayor to the Congress. Congress leader Ashok Chavan held a meeting of party leaders in which the Sena's proposal was discussed. All parties have time till March 9 to sort out the issue. The mayor's election is slated for that date, and the floor test for the post is by a show of hands.

OneIndia News