Saffron-RPI alliance to face first litmus test

Party leaders say they are confident of winning the June 26 BMC by-poll in Mahim despite rumours of Munde's resignation dogging the alliance

THE much-hyped Shiv Sena-BJP-RPI alliance, which is currently in the middle of an internal power struggle, is all set to face its first litmus test in the form of the BMC by-poll in Mahim, which is slated for June 26.

The saffron-RPI alliance, which was officially announced on June 9, has been touted as a viable alternative to the Congress-NCP Democratic Front that is currently in power in the state.


The saffron-RPI alliance, which was officially announced on June 9, is already in the midst of internal strife

The alliance is, however, already in the midst of internal strife with senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde's refusal to attend its first rally at Azad Maidan and subsequent rumours of him quitting the BJP doing the roundsu00a0u00a0
Leaders from the Congress and the NCP, parties which were seeing the alliance as a serious threat, say the Munde episode has come as welcome relief.

While the Sena alliance has fielded former mayor Milind Vaidya as its candidate for the elections to ward 181, the NCP has pitted Dr Muddasir Lambe against him.

"We were a little worried after the saffron parties aligned with the RPI, but the whole tantrum game that is going on in their alliance could end up helping us.

And anyway, nearly half of the 40,000 voters in the ward are from the minority community and many others are policemen votes that we think will turn in our favour and make us strong in the fight," said a senior NCP leader.

The Sena, however, believes that it will win the seat despite its internal struggles owing to Vaidya being a powerful Sena leader, who enjoys tremendous support among voters. The MNS decision of not contesting the by-poll has also bolstered the Sena's chances as the votes will not be divided.

Subhash Desai, leader of the Shiv Sena in the Assembly, said, "Vaidya is a contender for the whole alliance and we are sure that we will win. Whatever Munde is saying or doing is the party's internal matter and it doesn't bother the voter."