In the 227-member BMC, Congress has 31 corporators while NCP is represented by its nine corporators.
After Shiv Sena poached six corporators of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the Opposition Congress and Nationalist Congress Party seem to be undeterred by this move. In fact, the two parties have not only ruled out the possibility of their corporators deserting them to join BJP or Shiv Sena, but also made it clear that they have full faith and confidence in them.
In the wake of rising displeasure against the BJP-led government at the Centre and in Maharashtra, Congress and NCP hinted that the corporators know in which the wind is blowing and therefore will not resort to any step which will adversely impact their political career.
In the 227-member BMC, Congress has 31 corporators while NCP is represented by its nine corporators.
Mumbai Regional Congress Committee president, Sanjay Nirupam, told DNA, "Most of our corporators were elected to BMC defeating BJP candidates in the civic election held in February. They are averse to BJP and equally oppose Shiv Sena. I meet them once a month and discuss issues. In addition to this, they have access to our senior party leaders from the state unit.''
"Am I suppose to post security guards at their residence or monitor each and every corporator? They are quite capable to tackle any eventuality," added Nirupam. He reiterated that the party does not feel that either of them will crossover.
NCP spokesman Nawab Malik said, "Party's house is in order. Our corporators won't succumb to any pressure nor will they be lured by any other tactics.'' He informed that all the corporators are in regular touch with the party leadership.
Meanwhile, Congress and NCP alleged that Shiv Sena's move was a desperate attempt to cover up its failure. Nirupam said that despite their attempt to break parties neither Shiv Sena nor BJP will reach the magic figure of 112 for a majority in BMC. Malik also said that Shiv Sena and BJP despite sharing power will continue to engage in a verbal duel as they are least bothered to expedite development and resolve several issues faced by the citizens here.
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