Civic polls 2012: MNS confident of winning only 39 of 227 seats

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s plans to capture power in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) might remain unfulfilled in the upcoming civic elections to be held in February 2012.

No, this is not a statement made by arch rival Shiv Sena. On the contrary, it is based on conclusions made in the party’s own ‘Initial Assessment Report’ of the BMC elections.

As per the report, the party is likely to win only 39 seats out of 227. The party has divided 227 wards into four categories, namely A+, A, B and C with A+ being the most favourable category, from where the party is expecting a sure victory. There are only 39 wards in the A+ category.

On the contrary, 96 wards fall in category C, the least favoured for the party. Categories A and B are where the party will be concentrating, but is not sure of victory. The numbers of wards falling in A and B are 45 and 47, respectively.

Sources close to MNS chief Raj Thackeray mentioned that though there are only 39 wards in the A+ category, it does not mean the tally will not exceed. “This is the initial report and that too before the start of any campaign activity. We think it is a huge boost for the party and once the campaign starts, the number will surely increase,” said a senior party functionary on the condition of anonymity.