BJP-Shiv Sena Alliance Cracks In BMC

The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is showing signs of strain, with back-to-back walkouts highlighting growing friction within the ruling camp.

The tension began when the BJP walked out of the Improvements Committee after its objection to a proposal was overruled. The proposal involved scrapping the RR 2.1 reservation and incorporating the de-reserved land into the adjoining residential zone on a 1,802.75 sq m Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) plot at Majas, Jogeshwari East.

BJP corporators had raised objections to the proposal, but the Shiv Sena-led committee, chaired by corporator Sandhya Doshi, went ahead and passed it. The BJP members subsequently staged a walkout, even as the meeting was still underway and several points of order were yet to be raised.

The friction within the alliance was further exposed when Shiv Sena group leader Amey Ghole accused the BMC administration of turning the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) amnesty scheme into a source of harassment for slum residents. Ghole alleged that residents in F/North ward seeking inclusion in Annexure-II were being asked to pay Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh by officials handling rent and colony matters.

Shiv Sena warned that it would rather walk out of power than remain in the ruling camp and watch helplessly while people’s work is not being done. The party has threatened to stay away from Standing Committee meetings until action is taken on the allegations.

The BMC administration has been directed to inquire into the allegations and take immediate action. However, the rift between the BJP and Shiv Sena seems to be widening, with both parties engaging in a war of words.

The BJP has alleged that key BMC proposals are being pushed through the Improvements Committee despite their opposition and without a vote. Shiv Sena, on the other hand, has accused the BJP of resorting to theatrics in official meetings.

The growing friction within the ruling alliance has raised questions about the stability of the BMC. The alliance has been in power for several years, but the recent walkouts and accusations have exposed deep-seated differences between the two parties.

The BMC is responsible for providing various services to the citizens of Mumbai, including water supply, sanitation, and infrastructure development. The rift between the BJP and Shiv Sena could have implications for the delivery of these services and the overall governance of the city.

In the end, the growing friction within the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in the BMC has significant implications for the city of Mumbai. The alliance must work to resolve its differences and ensure that the interests of the citizens are prioritized.