NCP's Supriya Sule criticises Cong's move to go solo in BMC polls

Elections to 10 municipal corporations will be held on Feb 21

NCP leader Supriya Sule on Tuesday said Congress' decision against an alliance with her party for the Mumbai municipal polls reflected its "short-term thinking" and a tie-up would be beneficial to both.

"Congress decision of not aligning with us for the Mumbai civic polls is due to short term thinking. The decision has been taken without giving any thought," she told PTI.

Asked if there is still a possibility of the alliance materialising before the poll process gets underway, Sule said the ball is in Congress' court.

"NCP was always categorical that an alliance is beneficial to both parties but Congress was not forthcoming. I am of the view that an alliance should happen," said Sule, daughter of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar and MP from Baramati.

She said district units of NCP and Congress are positive for an alliance for Zilla Parishad elections. But Congress leaders sitting in Mumbai are "averse" to it, she claimed without naming anyone.

NCP state president Sunil Tatkare had yesterday said Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam was adamant that his party will go alone in civic polls, but an understanding could still be worked out if MPCC chief Ashok Chavan intervenes.

"He (Nirupam) had declared so a couple of months back. But if Ashok Chavan as the president of the state unit of Congress can intervene using his influence and get the understanding done...," Tatkare had said.

However, both parties have joined hands to contest the Legislative Council elections in five Graduates and Teachers constituencies, scheduled on February 3.

Elections to 10 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, Thane and Pune will be held on February 21, while polls to 26 Zilla Parishads will be held in two phases on February 16 and 21, followed by counting of votes on February 23.