Mumbai: A tussle is likely to break out between Shiv Sena and BJP in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over allocation of budgetary funds for civic development works in the city. With both parties enjoying nearly the same strength in the civic house, BJP is insisting on equal distribution of funds between the two parties.
Sena has 84 corporators and BJP 82 in the 227-strong BMC house. Civic chief Ajoy Mehta recently presented a budget of Rs 25,141 crore, which is down by Rs 11,911 crore as compared to last year’s budget. Also, development funds of corporators are likely to be curtailed this year.
Senior BJP corporator Prakash Gangadhare said, “Last time, we were playing second fiddle to the Sena. But we are now almost on par with them. So, it’s quite natural that we would want a 50:50 distribution of development funds.”
However, sources said Sena plans to repeat last year’s distribution formula by keeping a major chunk of funds with itself. Out of the Rs 340 cr funds, Sena wants to keep Rs 80 cr while giving BJP only Rs 30 cr. Civic standing committee chairman Ramesh Korgaonkar of Sena said, “Decision on distribution of funds is yet to be taken. We will take it at an appropriate time.”
