Sena-Cong unitedly take on BJP in Mira-Bhayandar civic body

As the adage goes, ‘In politics, enemies and friends are not permanent, today’s enemy can be tomorrow’s best friend and vice versa’. Chaotic scenes were witnessed in the first special general body meet of the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) on Monday proving the axiom with the Shiv Sena teaming up with Congress to counter BJP. Interestingly, the BJP had to lean on turncoats, including – Dhruvkishor Patil and Suresh Khandelwal (former NCP leaders, now BJP corporators) to spearhead the party’s efforts against the onslaught mounted by the opposition.

Alarmed by incidents involving elected representatives crossing territories to hog undue limelight of bhumi-pujans (stone laying ceremony) and inauguration of civic amenities in the twincity, the civic administration had sought to frame new guidelines seeking proper protocol for official functions and ceremonies.

BJP corporator Ravi Vyas moved a resolution mandating prior permission from the Mayor with a stress upon maintaining decorum while printing names of invitees on invitation cards and their seating arrangement to be made as per protocol. A Sena corporator questioned the BJP’s double standards.

After a heated debate on the issue, opposition members trooped into the well of the house with some of the members almost caming to blows. However, the resolution was passed by virtue of BJP having a majority in the house.