With speculations rife about the Congress extending support to the Shiv Sena for the post of Mayor after a hung house was thrown up in the recent BMC elections, political experts believe that a possible alliance between both the parties could weaken Sena's position in the civic body.
Unfazed by the BJP breaching its citadel of Mumbai by winning 82 seats in the civic polls, the Shiv Sena — with 88 seats after receiving support from four independents — has asserted that the civic body's Mayor will be from the party. The Congress remains divided over the issue of extending support to the Shiv Sena for the post of Mayor. AICC General Secretary and senior most Congress leader Gurudas Kamat raised objections to even any discussion of a tie-up or indirect support to the Shiv Sena in the civic body. Kamat has also informed Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi of his opinion.
However, if the Congress decides to extend veiled support to Sena, the grand old party could field its own candidate with support from opposition parties like the NCP, SP, AIMIM and MNS. Experts feel that seeking support from the Congress will help the Sena cross only one hurdle, but could pave the way for political arm-twisting by the former every time an important decision has to be deliberated upon during statutory committee and general body meetings.
"BMC's real power lies in the statutory committees, like standing and improvements committees. There will certainly be differences of opinion on certain issues as each party will want their voice heard during various committee deliberations. Differing opinions will not allow the civic body to function smoothly for the next five years if a Congress-Shiv Sena alliance comes to fruition," said a senior bureaucrat on condition of anonymity.
Another viewpoint expressed by a senior government official stressed on the scenario that could prevail if neither party is able to elect a Mayor. In such a scenario, the state government can suspend the elected body until a consensus is reached. During this time, the Municipal Commissioner will be empowered to run the civic body in the capacity of an administrative officer. "Although this is a distinct possibility, it has happened in the past. DM Sukthankar was appointed administrator for a year (1984-1985) as the state government suspended the elected body. Fresh BMC elections were held in 1985," said senior bureaucrat.
While the BJP has taken the 'wait-and-watch' approach for the time being, Shiv Sena has started racking up support from independents to increase it's strength in the richest civic body of the country.
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