Shiv Sena faces tough challenge in bypoll

Mumbai: Shiv Sena, the ruling party in the Brihanmumbai Munic-ipal Corporation (BMC), faces a tough challenge from its own rebel in a bypoll to be held in ward number 173 at Sion. Sena’s Ramdas Kamble will lock horns with Congress candidate Sunil Shetye, who is a Sena rebel.

The by election, to be held at April 6 on Friday, has been necessitated after the death of Sena corproator Pralhad Thombare.

Sena’s attempts to retain the seat, which is considered as its stronghold, have faced hurdles from the beginning as the party faced rebellion from its own men.

Mr Thombare’s brother Bapu also filed his nomination as an independent. Though Sena has managed to pacify him, Congress has given a ticket to Mr Shetye, who was a Shiv Sainik only.

In the municipal elections held last year, Congress had come a poor forth in the ward. However, its hopes have received a boost due to the candidature of Mr Shetye.

The party has assigned senior leaders like BMC opposition leader Ravi Raja, former MP Eknath Gaikwad to ensure Mr Shetye’s win in the ward.

The third candidate in the fray is Gautam Zende from Bharip. The BJP, which came second last year, has not decided to contest the election.