NCP, Cong eyeing share in Shiv Sena’s BMC pie

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, November 13

The NCP and Congress are eyeing Shiv Sena’s pie in the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Under a pact with the BJP in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena virtually controls the BMC though both saffron parties are part of an alliance in Mumbai.

Both BJP and Shiv Sena contested the 2017 civic elections separately. Subsequently, the BJP extended support to the Sena without being part of the administration. While the Sena has 94 corporators in the 227-member House, the BJP has 82.

The NCP with six corporators and the Congress with 30 are now demanding that the Sena dumps the BJP in Mumbai too. Elected representatives of the two parties will be part of the standing committees of the BMC along with those of the Shiv Sena if the anti-BJP alliance fructifies, say sources.

The BMC budget for financial year 2019-20 exceeds Rs 30,000 crore, which is higher than several states in India. Mumbai’s civic body runs the city’s iconic BEST bus service apart from schools and hospitals. Most of BMC revenue come from property tax and construction permits. The Shiv Sena has been in control of the BMC for the past 27 years.

BJP leaders in Maharashtra have, however, decided not to disturb the Shiv Sena in Mumbai for the moment as they are hopeful of reconciling with the regional party. But should the Shiv Sena formally align with the Congress and NCP, the BJP is expected to demand a probe into several contracts awarded by the civic body in the past few years.

“The BJP will demand the post of Leader of the Opposition in the BMC if the Shiv Sena join hands with the Congress and NCP,” a BJP leader said in Mumbai. Party sources say they will demand an audit of contracts awarded for several projects by the BMC.