BJP and Shiv Sena Poised for Joint BMC Corporator Group Registration on Monday
In a significant political development in Mumbai, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena are expected to jointly register their groups of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) corporators at the Konkan divisional commissioner's office on Monday. This move follows the finalization of a detailed power-sharing arrangement between the two alliance partners, aimed at consolidating their control over India's richest civic body.
Power-Sharing Formula Finalized: BJP to Lead, Sena Holds Whip Power
According to party functionaries, the power-sharing formula has been meticulously negotiated. Under this agreement, the BJP, which secured 89 seats in the recent BMC elections, will head the joint group comprising 118 corporators. However, in a strategic concession, Shiv Sena, with its 29 seats, will retain the authority to issue the whip. This ensures that even though Sena may not hold the group leader's position, it will maintain substantial influence over the joint group's decisions and voting patterns.
The distribution of key posts has been clearly outlined in the deal. The BJP will assume control of the prestigious positions of mayor and standing committee chairperson. In return, Shiv Sena will take charge of the chairpersonships for the improvements committee, health committee, and the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) committee. This allocation reflects a balanced approach to sharing administrative responsibilities within the BMC.
High-Level Approvals and Ongoing Negotiations
While the final decision on the joint registration rests with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, insiders indicate that the path has been largely cleared. Shiv Sena is also seeking assurances from the BJP regarding the mayor's post at a later stage, potentially for a shorter duration than its initial demand of 2.5 years. This aspect remains a point of discussion, highlighting the ongoing negotiations between the two parties.
Strategic Advantages of a Joint Group
Forming a joint group offers several strategic benefits for the Mahayuti alliance. Firstly, it will enable the alliance to secure an additional nominated corporator, thereby strengthening its numerical advantage in the BMC. Concurrently, this move will thwart the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) from gaining a nominated seat, limiting opposition influence.
Moreover, a joint group ensures that one more Mahayuti member secures a spot in all civic panels, including the crucial standing committee. BJP functionaries have pointed out that if the parties were to form separate groups, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) might have an opportunity to get one of its six corporators elected to the standing committee. By uniting, BJP and Shiv Sena effectively block this possibility.
A BJP functionary emphasized that a joint group facilitates a "balance of power" within the alliance. "Sena's whip will be applicable even to a BJP leader, ensuring cohesive action. Additionally, Mahayuti will gain an extra nominated corporator and enhanced representation in all panels, acting as a buffer against opposition members who are nearly equal in number on committees," the functionary explained.
Upcoming Civic Elections and Appointments
The mayoral election is anticipated to occur after February 10, with elections for various civic committees and the appointment of 10 nominated corporators scheduled to follow. This timeline underscores the urgency behind finalizing the joint registration and power-sharing deal, as both parties aim to solidify their positions ahead of these critical civic processes.
This development marks a pivotal moment in Mumbai's political landscape, as BJP and Shiv Sena navigate their alliance dynamics to maximize control over the BMC, setting the stage for future governance and policy implementation in the city.
