The Group comprises two Corporators of Muslim League, two Corporators of MNS, eight Independents, two of Bharatiya Republican Party Bahujan Mahasangh and one Corporator of RPI (Athawale). The Ruling Party pocketed their support by promising a big share of beneficial posts and more and more development funds for their respective Wards. However, the promises turned hollow.
Nagpur News.
Sometimes the enemies make you stronger and allies make you weaker. The Ruling Party (BJP) in Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) may face the similar situation if the frustrated and disappointed Group of 15 Corporators, who are allies, is any indication to prove the fact. The enemies would not make the Ruling Party stronger is certain but the allies could make it weaker appears a possibility. However, the plus point for the big political party is that the 15 Corporators lack the unity for any face off. However, they are in top gear and leaving no stone unturned to throw out the Ruling Party from the power.
The Group comprises two Corporators of Muslim League, two Corporators of MNS, eight Independents, two of Bharatiya Republican Party Bahujan Mahasangh and one Corporator of RPI (Athawale). The Ruling Party pocketed their support by promising a big share of beneficial posts and more and more development funds for their respective Wards. However, the promises turned hollow as most of the “profitable” posts were served to BJP Corporators as soon as the party alliance stormed to the power. Moreover, a big chunk of funds was also allotted to the BJP influenced Wards and thus leaving the Group of Allies fuming and fretting.
The Ruling Party (BJP) also successfully foiled the Group’s attempts to unite and exert pressure for fulfillment of promises and even created fissures in the Group by fetching some Corporators in its favour. The outcome of this success was on the expected lines as the “fetched” Corporators were rewarded with crores of development funds and the voice raisers were “punished” with development funds in lakhs only. However, one of the Corporators parted his way and joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that triggered more discontent in the Group which openly showed its displeasure.
The Group of Corporators, keeping in mind the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, held a meeting two days ago. However, differences cropped up among the 15 Corporators. Some of them were outraged by the policy of the Ruling Party that had promised Rs 1 crore development funds for each Corporator. The meeting decided to hold meeting with the Mayor Anil Sole and then put pressure on NMC Commissioner for allotment of sufficient development funds keeping in mind the upcoming general elections. If the Mayor shows negative attitude, adverse effect could be seen in the Lok Sabha polls and the BJP candidate may face enormous difficulties, sources said.
It may be recalled, the likely BJP candidate has been very upset with the style of Mayor’s working. The Mayor meets the bigwig party leader only when he is summoned otherwise conveniently keeps a safe distance. And if this trend continues, the Group Corporators would certainly go for campaigning in accordance with “money game” in the next Lok Sabha elections.
According to sources, the likely BJP candidate had sent several messages to the Group of Corporators for a “fruitful” meeting but the Group, furious with BJP’s policy, has been repeatedly avoiding the meeting. The sources further said that one of the Corporators has been trying hard for membership of the Group. However, majority of his party Corporators are opposing his move.
The “Honeymoon” of the Group with the Ruling Party is almost over and the Group is hopefully looking forward to Congress for any move to throw out the Ruling Party from the power with the help of State Government’s initiative. However, Congress has not been showing any interest in this regard, the sources said.
