Quota, tie-ups could lead netas to leave parties, turn rebels

The 50% reservation of wards for women and the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Republican Party of India (RPI) alliances this civic poll are likely to result in many disgruntled male corporators switching parties or turn into rebels.

Political observers cite the recent examples of two corporators who have quit their party to join the rivals, and Monday’s incident of BJP activists vandalising the party office in Chembur for offering the seat to Sena.  

“The incidents could be a sign for all parties. Most male aspirants will be left will no option but to join another party which will ensure them a seat,” said a political observer.

Most politicians agree.
“There will be tough competition for the limited number of seats for aspirants from all parties due to the woman reservation,” said Congress corporator Rajendraprasad Chaube. “To a certain extent, it will also affect the civic poll results depending upon the candidate.”

Added Sena corporator Ravindra Waikar: “Those who can’t live without power are likely to rebel. All parties will have to deal with the situation carefully as it would affect the overall poll results by up to 10%.”
But, NCP group leader Niyaz Vanu said: “Rebellion takes place during all elections, not just this year.”