BJP ready to fight Mumbai civic polls alone, says MP

In comments that signal fissures in Maharashtra's bickering ruling allies, a BJP MP today said his party was "prepared" to contest BMC polls alone.

"We are prepared to contest all 227 wards for BMC elections alone, along with small parties," BJP MP Kirit Somaiya told PTI.

"Our aim is to end the mafia raj in BMC," Somaiya said.

Asked if he was referring to alleged corruption by Shiv Sena, which has been the dominant ruling partner in BMC, Somaiya said, "We want to put a full stop to the massive corruption that has been going on in the Mumbai civic body."
 

There has been speculation whether BJP and Shiv Sena will contest the BMC polls, slated earlier next year, together.

Mumbai and nine other Municipal Corporations in Maharashtra would go to polls next February. Civic elections are also scheduled in Nagpur, Nasik, Pune and Thane.