Political Tensions Flare in Nashik Over BJP's 'Crutches' Remark
The political landscape in Nashik has been thrown into turmoil following a controversial statement by senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and minister Girish Mahajan. His assertion that the BJP "does not require crutches" to administer the Nashik Municipal Corporation has provoked significant discontent within the Shiv Sena ranks in the city.
Shiv Sena's Strong Reaction to BJP Statement
Shiv Sena's deputy leader and group leader in the Nashik Municipal Corporation, Ajay Boraste, voiced his profound disappointment regarding Mahajan's remarks on Monday. Boraste made it clear that his party is fully prepared to assume the role of opposition if the situation demands it. He emphasized that a conclusive decision would be reached following consultations with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The controversy originated when BJP's Nashik unit chief, Sunil Kedar, suggested that alliance partners Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party should collaborate with the BJP to effectively manage the civic body. This proposal was particularly significant in the context of the forthcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela preparations.
BJP's Confident Stance on Municipal Governance
During his visit to Nashik on Sunday, Minister Girish Mahajan firmly rejected the necessity for such an alliance. "We do not need crutches from anyone to establish authority in the NMC, as our party already commands a clear majority with 72 seats," Mahajan informed reporters. He further revealed that five to six corporators from other political parties are expected to join the BJP, potentially increasing their strength to an impressive 78 seats.
In the recently concluded Nashik Municipal Corporation elections, the BJP contested independently and achieved a decisive victory, securing 72 out of the 122 available seats. Meanwhile, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the NCP participated jointly in the electoral contest, winning 26 and 4 seats respectively.
Internal Coordination Concerns Within BJP
Ajay Boraste criticized Mahajan's position, highlighting what he perceives as a lack of internal coordination within the BJP leadership. "BJP's city chief, Sunil Kedar, personally proposed that Mahayuti partners should work together in the NMC for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. We were optimistic about this suggestion. However, Minister Mahajan's 'crutches' remark is entirely unwarranted," Boraste stated.
He urged BJP leaders to convene and establish a unified stance on the matter. Boraste further clarified that the Shiv Sena is not desperate for political power within the municipal corporation. "Our party chief, Eknath Shinde, will determine whether we participate in the administration or assume the opposition role. Should our leadership opt for the latter, Shiv Sena will serve as a strong and effective opposition party in the municipal house," Boraste added emphatically.
This political development underscores the growing tensions between alliance partners in Maharashtra's political landscape, particularly in Nashik where municipal governance intersects with preparations for the significant Simhastha Kumbh Mela event.
