Mumbai: Even before the Mumbai civic election results are out, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has started making overtures to the Shiv Sena for a post-poll alliance.
State BJP president Raosaheb Danve on Wednesday claimed that his party would get a clear majority, but also added that should it fall short of the majority mark, Sena should make a proposal for an alliance, as it was Sena’s decision to sever 25-year-old ties. On the other hand, Shiv Sena has been claiming that it will not need any support to remain in power in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), while refusing to comment on whether it would get a clear majority.
“We will get an absolute majority in six municipal corporations. If we fall a little short of the majority in Mumbai civic body, Shiv Sena should come to us. Those who have broken the alliance should reconcile,”
Mr Danve told reporters on the eve of the results. BJP sources said that he was hinting that the party was open to joining hands with Sena again if a hung House-like situation arises.
Mr Danve also said his party would emerge as the number one party in the state in the local body polls. The senior leader was also confident that the party would have its mayors in six municipal corporations.
However, Shiv Sena has snubbed Mr Danve, saying the result day is not far off. “Let Danve said whatever he wants,” Sena MP Sanjay Raut said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Sena MLC Anil Parab said that the results would speak for themselves. “There is no need to react to Danve’s statement now,” Mr Parab said.
