The September 21 fight for the posts of Zilla Parishad President and Vice President evinces keen interest in the wake of “fatwas” issued by Mahayuti (BJP-Shiv Sena-RPI-A combine) and the Aghadi (Democratic Front of Congress-NCP).
Nagpur News: The alliance between Bharatiya Janata Party and Nationalist Congress Party in Nagpur Zilla Parishad appears to be on the verge of break-up in the wake of ‘fatwas’ (diktats) issued by Mahayuti (BJP-Shiv Sena-RPI-A combine) and the Aghadi (Democratic Front of Congress-NCP). The ‘fatwas’ issued by both the coalitions have stressed upon alliance between friendly parties and organizations in local independent bodies rather than Opposition parties. The diktats are issued in view of coming Assembly elections in State. With this new development, the BJP-NCP alliance in Nagpur ZP faces the risk of a break-up.
The tenures of Zilla Parishad President Sandhya Gotmare and Vice President Chandrashekhar Chikhle will be coming to an end on September 20. The elections for the new incumbents are slated to be held on September 21. Even though the BJP has an upper hand by virtue of its strength, it has stitched alliance with NCP. The equation is – BJP’s President and NCP’s Vice President. But the Assembly elections around the corner, the chances of alliance between the two parties for the September 21 poll appear remote. Even the NCP has made it clear in not so many words. On the other hand, many members of BJP have also opposed alliance with NCP and put forth such demand before the party high command, too.
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At present, the Mahayuti has 29 members including 22 members of BJP, 7 of Shiv Sena and 1 Gondwana Party member. On the other hand, in the event of Congress, NCP coming together and taking help of BSP, RPI and one rebel Shiv Sena member, the total members of the Front stand at 29 as well. In this complicated situation, politics of horse-trading is likely to play a role in the September 21 election for posts of President and Vice President, said the sources.
According to sources, on one hand the BJP is not in mood to give up the power and is likely to resort to “jod-tod” politics. On the other hand, Congress, with the help of NCP, BSP, RPI and some rebel members, is trying to capture power in Nagpur Zilla Parishad. At present, Congress has 20 members, NCP 7, BSP-RPI one each and one rebel member. Even though BJP has 22 members, the strength has been reduced by one member following Wadi Gram Panchayat becoming Nagar Parishad. Moreover, one Shiv Sena member is planning to toe the line of Congress. Therefore, BJP will have to go through a circus for bagging the President’s post, said the sources.
Sources further said that for the post of President, Shakuntala Pawar of Kodamendhi, Aruna Mankar of Dhapewada, Nisha Savarkar of Dhanla and Shubhangi Gaydhane of Narsala are in the race. If Congress and NCP come together, the post of Vice President is likely to go to rebel Shiv Sena member. Even though the BJP’s Kamptee MLA Chandrashekhar Bawankule holds an upper hand over Zilla Parishad, the names selected by Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari are most probably would be sealed, sources said quoting the party.
The District President of BJP Dr Rajiv Potdar said that the next President Zilla Parishad will be of party again. The BJP and friendly parties have 29 members and moreover, apart from rebel Shiv Sena member, three members of BSP, RPI are with the BJP, claimed Dr Potdar. The NCP leader and ZP Vice President said that the question of alliance with BJP will be decided by party high command.
