The Mahayuti of Shiv Sena-BJP-RPI is very close to touching the magical figure of 114 to regain control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Accordingly, Sena leaders were seen tapping independent and rebel candidates, who won during the civic elections, and had come to the civic headquarters on Wednesday to complete formalities.
Milind Narvekar, Secretary to Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackeray, accompanied by other Sena leaders, spoke to two members from the Gawli family – Geeta and Vandana. Later, Vandana confirmed that they were discussing about supporting the Sena.
Vandana, of Akhil Bharatiya Sena, commented, “Like the last term, this time too we have decided to provide our full support to the Sena in the corporation.” Last time, Vandana and Geeta supported the party and, in return, the Sena gave berths to both in powerful civic committees, the Standing Committee and Improvement Committee, throughout the term.
Besides, other independent candidates, Bhawana Manglea of ward no 64, Changej Multani of ward no 53, Desouza Cyril of ward no 44, Makarand Narvekar of ward no 227, Leena Shukla of ward no 153 and two other candidates are in touch with the Sena, and are likely to support the party in the corporation.
While talking to reporters, Mayor Shraddha Jadhav said, “We have received support of a sufficient number of candidates. This time, we are planning to take the support of at least five extra councillors to be on the safer side.”
The Mahayuti won 107 out of a total 227 seats in the 2012 civic elections, and needs only seven more to prove their simple majority in the corporation. On or before March 9, the Mahayuti has to come out with the list of its candidates and supporters, as the sitting body of the corporation will be dissolved on that day.