As BMC tries to make Mumbai monsoon-ready, Shiv Sena showers criticism on administration

Mumbai city news: The BMC claimed to have finished 86.87% desilting of major drains

A new bonhomie between the ruling Shiv Sena and Opposition Congress is on display in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The Sena is ruling party in the BMC but it does not have a majority in the civic house. It has 84 members in the house of 227, while the BJP has 82. (File)

In a U-turn, the Sena, which extended support to the administration over monsoon preparedness last week, on Tuesday not only distanced itself from the civic body, but also joined the Opposition in criticising the civic administration.

The BMC claimed to have finished 86.87% desilting of major drains. The Sena is ruling party in the BMC but it does not have a majority in the civic house. It has 84 members in the house of 227, while the BJP has 82.

Congress’ group leader demanded the standing committee be adjourned as the civic body was presenting false data on desilting. The Shiv Sena on Tuesday came out in full support for the demand.

Earlier this month, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray assured Mumbaiites the desilting work is on track and congratulated the civic body for good quality work.

In addition, Sena’s group leader Yashwant Jadhav in Friday’s meeting appreciated the BMC for improved quality of road repairs.

The change in Sena’s stand comes after the Congress helped the Sena approve the Byculla zoo fee hike proposal in the civic standing committee.

The Sena which was adamant on charging citizens Rs100 entry fee, softened its stance and reduced the entry fee to Rs50 to get the proposal approved.

If the Congress had not extended its support, the proposal would have been rejected as both the BJP, which was opposing the proposal, and Sena have equal number of corporators in the committee.