Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections were held on February 21.
After the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election results, BJP government in Maharashtra led by CM Devendra Fadnavis may be on a sticky wicket.
If Shiv Sena manages to win majority easily without any support comes, then it is likely to bargain hard with BJP. In case the demands are not met then, Sena may pull the plug of Fadnavis government.
According to a senior Sena leader, they are expecting more than 90 seats in the 227 member corporation. Currently, the Sena has 75 corporators, BJP has 32, Congress has 55, NCP has 14 and MNS has 28.
“With the support of independent and small parties, Sena will come in power in BMC. We do not want to share the power with BJP in BMC now. Once we manage to form the corporation, we will bargain hard and try important portfolios from the state government. Currently, BJP has given us non-valuable portfolios. We want some powerful portfolios such as home and revenue ministry,” Sena leader said requesting anonymity.
In 288 member Maharashtra State assembly, BJP has 122 MLAs, while Sena has 63, Congress 52, NCP 41 and there are 7 Independents.
If Shiv Sena rifts from BJP, Fadnavis government will lose its majority and will have to go through trust vote on the floor of the House. “Even after support of small BJP affiliated parties and joining hands with all independent MLAs, the BJP still the short of 15 MLAs to get the 145 majority in House.”
"Sena and Congress MLAs are in touch with BJP. However, due to the anti-defecation law, few MLAs can not join BJP. They have to first resign from their respective parties and then contest the elections to join BJP. This is not a simple procedure and Modi wave has receded significantly. If BJP losses in Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, then Sena can take the chance for mid-term polls. When Atal Bihari government at the centre fell due to one vote,15 is a huge number in a state. If Sena decides to pull out of the government, just as it had threatened, then there will be mid-term polls,” said Nawab Malik, NCP spokeserson.
On the other hand, BJP leaders including chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, have toned down their language and called Sena a 'natural ally'.
Another Sena leader said that Sena president Uddhav Thackeray might take the extreme step after the BMC elections, but there are little chances. “Uddhavji has already found a way to survive this BJP goverment. He had said that if BJP would waive off the farmers loan, they could continue to support the Fadnavis government. If BJP cannot negotiate for more ministries or waive off the farmers loan, then Sena may pull out of Fadnavis government. We want equal power sharing in state. Besides, we should be also treated respectfully as an alliance partner,” said Sena minister from Mumbai.
On the other hand, NCP chief Sharad Pawar has hinted at mid-term polls in state. Pawar said if Uddhav Thackeray pulls out of state government, he would also never support BJP government.
However, time will tell if Fadnavis survives or becomes a victim of political tussle.
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