Civic polls: Sena wants BJP to make first move for tie-up

The Shiv Sena is awaiting a proposal from the BJP over an alliance, if feasible, for the forthcoming civic polls in Maharashtra.
The Sena is an alliance partner in the BJP-led NDA governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra.
"The prospects of an alliance were discussed and it was decided to await a proposal from the BJP," a Sena source told PTI today.
In view of the polls, slated to be held between November 2016 and January 2017, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray today held a meeting with the outfit's district unit chiefs and district coordinators from across the state to discuss strategies.

He is scheduled to address the ministers and legislators tomorrow.
The four-phase polls will be held for 212 civic bodies, including 192 municipal councils and 20 nagar panchayats, in 25 districts.

The contest, being dubbed as a 'mini' Assembly election, will be held for a total of 4,750 seats covering 2,485 civic wards.
While the first phase is slated to be held on November 27, the subsequent phases are scheduled for December 14, 18 and January 8, 2017, barring the two districts of Mumbai and Thane.
The counting of votes will be held on the next day of voting in each phase.