BJP-Shiv Sena Alliance In BMC Shows Cracks As Back-To-Back Walkouts Expose Growing Friction In Ruling Camp

Mumbai's BJP-Shiv Sena alliance within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is experiencing increasing tensions, as evidenced by consecutive walkouts from both parties. The BJP abandoned the Improvements Committee after its objection to a proposal was dismissed, while the Shiv Sena left the Standing Committee over the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) amnesty scheme, accusing the administration of disregarding its point of order.

The ShivSena has threatened to quit ruling together altogether if its concerns about the work being done in the city are not addressed. The BJP's dissatisfaction stems from key BMC proposals being pushed through the Improvements Committee, despite the party's objection and without a vote. The most recent dispute arose from a 1,802.75 sq m MHADA plot in Jogeshwari East, where the BMC intended to eliminate the RR 2.1 reservation and include the freed land in a residential area.

The proposal was passed by the Shiv Sena-led committee after BJP members walked out during the meeting. While BJP corporators declined to comment, Shiv Sena UBT corporator Sachin Padwal dismissed the situation as "theatrics." In another development, the Standing Committee saw Shiv Sena leader Amey Ghole question the administration's handling of the SRA amnesty scheme, alleging that slum residents were being harassed with exorbitant fees for inclusion in Annexure-II.

The committee chairman ordered an investigation, but Ghole vowed to boycott future Standing Committee meetings until action is taken.