Cong non-committal on backing Sena; goes in wait and watch mode


Mumbai, Feb 25 (PTI): With elections to BMC throwing up a fractured verdict, thinking is strong in Maharashtra Congress that it should consider the option of enabling the Shiv Sena to foist its candidate as mayor of the civic body. The Congress, which managed to secure only 31 seats in the 227-member House, however, is unlikely to rush to a decision, preferring to wait till the crucial elections to the five states are over.

The tally of Shiv Sena, which emerged as the single largest party after the counting on Thursday, has risen to 87 corporators with three party rebels who won as Independent nominees returning to its fold yesterday. This gave a slight push to Uddhav Thackeray's efforts to cobble up numbers but reaching the magic figure of 114 seats needed to rule the crucial civic body is still a far cry. He however, continued to maintain that the coveted Mayor's post will be held by Sena only.

"Party workers feel Sena is a lesser evil than the BJP," said a Congress state office-bearer, who did not wish to be identified. The party, however, would refrain from any open discussion or statement about this until the results of UP and other state Assembly polls are out, considering the political implications of such a move could have a bearing on its prospects.

Senior Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde said the party is yet to take a decision on the issue, while MPCC chief Ashok Chavan chose to remain non-committal on making any open statement. Even the proponents of the idea of backing Sena, said a final call will be taken by the party's central leadership after considering the pros and cons of entering into overt or covert trucks with a saffron party, known for its aggressive stand on certain issues, which is diametrically opposed to the secular plank of the Congress.

On the other hand, BJP which notched up 82 seats in the Mumbai civic polls after fighting separately under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has said it won't compromise on the issue of transparency in BMC administration, which was the party's poll plank. Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar, who met Fadnavis with city unit functionaries and people's representatives before the BJP core committee meet held at the CM's official residence 'Varsha' yesterday ruled out any tie up with Congress in BMC, to reach the figure needed for majority.

In the bitterly fought BMC elections, Shiv Sena had won 84 seats (now 87), BJP secured 82, Congress was relegated to the third position with 31 seats, whereas the NCP and Raj Thackeray-led MNS finished with nine and seven seats respectively. Besides, AIMIM got two seats, Samajwadi Party 6, Akhil Bhartiya Sena 1 and Independents 5 (of which 3 have now joined the Sena).

  

Top Stories

Comment on this article

  • Elwyn Goveas, Valencia

    Sat, Feb 25 2017

    If congress do alliance with shivsena it we can assume as even if the marriage does take place it will short lived.To be more honest we should laugh from inside and see how this bjp and sena going to tackle it.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • RS, UAE

    Sat, Feb 25 2017

    No surprise. SS was created by Congress in 1965 to fight communist trade unions. Like another Cong creation, the Aaap. However both have turned nuisance now. It's a win win situation for BJp. The moment SS ties up with Scamgress , state Bjp should snap the alliance and go for midterm polls. congress ka thooda saad and SS will be limited to Mathoshree.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Praveen, Udupi

    Sat, Feb 25 2017

    Congress should support Shiva Sena. Shiva Sena is a better devil as compared to BJP which has lost all ethics and morals and its PM using the language used by Ghalli people. Congress should follow the policy of Hitler that all common enemies of BJP are its friends be they good or bad so that a complete BJP MUKTH BHARAT is possible by 2019.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • G Vikas, Udupi

    Sat, Feb 25 2017

    Not even in your dreams. By the by which congress you are taking about so optimistically ? Under the leadership of that Pappu who is pushing Aklilesh Cycle in UP ? With this team you are dreaming of BJP Mukt Bharath ! HAHAHAha..its followers are dreaming BJP MUkth Bharth when congress is closing their office one state after another...LOL.
    Just wait and watch how Udhav will put his tail in between and come to Fadnavis for support (probably after the final phase of state election).

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • ANIKETH, MUMBAI

    Sat, Feb 25 2017

    it will be funny to see congress supporting SS.
    rahul and uddav on same stage soon?
    SS will be finished totally by next election.
    and congress too wont get 10 seats.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Well wisher, Suratkal/M'lore/Bahrain

    Sat, Feb 25 2017

    SS and BJPee fooling the voters and people of Maharastra..Choron ka Ghatbandhan ho toh sahi!!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • krish, Dubai

    Sat, Feb 25 2017

    congress is ready to make alliance with any X Y Z. In future congress may make alliance with PPP (Pakistan Peoples Party). Forget prime minister, they cant become mayor also no a days. Mrs. Shiela Dixit told Mr. Rahul Gandhi is not matured. Mr. Vishwanat from congress told CM may send money to High command.

    Awaiting for More DISAGREE from people who are not ready to accept the real fact

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse


Leave a Comment

Title: Cong non-committal on backing Sena; goes in wait and watch mode



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.