Resign and face fresh polls: Thane deputy mayor challenges Sena corporators

A dispute between BJP and Shiv Sena allies in the Thane Municipal Corporation escalated into noisy scenes and allegations of disrespecting the national anthem.

Thane Deputy Mayor and BJP leader Krishna Patil has challenged members of the Shiv Sena to resign and face fresh elections, following a dispute between the allies in the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC).

Noisy scenes were witnessed at the TMC's general body meeting on May 15 as BJP corporators opposed its ruling ally Shiv Sena getting 231 resolutions passed together.

BJP corporators, including Deputy Mayor Patil and group leader Mukesh Mokashi, had also lodged a complaint at the Naupada police station against two Shiv Sena corporators for allegedly disrespecting the national anthem.

Later, a Shiv Sena leader demanded the suspension of several BJP corporators, accusing them of trying to attack the mayor and disrespecting the national anthem.

Former Mayor and Sena leader Minakshi Shinde had claimed that the BJP was violating the ethics of the alliance.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena head Eknath Shinde on Monday downplayed the acrimony, saying ''minor bickerings'' happen between parties and asserted that all issues will be resolved amicably.

However, Deputy Mayor Patil, during a press conference on Tuesday, challenged Minakshi Shinde to let the public decide who deserves to hold the reins of power in the city.

''We contested the Thane Municipal Corporation elections together as a grand alliance. If the Sena corporators feel that we should get out of power, then I am ready to resign. You should resign, too. Let us go back to the people's court through fresh elections, and let the citizens decide who should be in power,'' Patil said.