BMC polls 2017: To defeat BJP, Shiv Sena approaches ‘ideological opponent’ Congress for tie-up

The convergence seems unlikely as both parties have diametrically opposite ideologies.

By: News Desk |
February 25, 2017 2:46 pm

With the Shiv Sena and BJP not seeing eye to eye following saffron party’s gradual expansion in Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray’s party has reportedly approached Congress for post-poll alliance in Mumbai civic body.

However, the convergence seems unlikely as both parties have diametrically opposite ideologies. On one hand Sena’s has thrived on regional politics, the grand old party’s foundation was laid on liberal ideas.

The Shiv Sena bagged (84+3) of the 227 seats in BMC polls, closely followed by BJP with 82 seats the Congress won 31 seats, NCP nine, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena seven, Samajwadi Party six, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen two, Independents five and a local party won one seat.

Speculation was rife about whether the Sena would join hands with Congress (31) to reach the magic mark of 114 in the 227-member civic body.

Sena had approached senior Congress leaders in New Delhi. But some Congressmen feel it will not be a simple decision given the ideological differences between the two parties.

Reports say, Congress, which suffered a drubbing in the polls, is considering the option of extending “outside support” to the Shiv Sena. Sources said the Shiv Sena has offered the Deputy Mayor’s post to the Congress in lieu of its support.