Big blow to Uddhav camp as CM Eknath Shinde orders probe into BMC ward delimitation issue

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ordered a probe into the delimitation of wards in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday. The Uddhav Theakcrey-led MVA government had increased the number of wards under the corporation from 227 to 236. However, the BJP-Shinde government reversed the order days after forming the government in Maharashtra.

Shinde camp MLA Sada Sarvankar demanded an investigation by the anti-corruption bureau alleging corruption in forming 236 wards in the BMC.

After which, the chief minister ordered an investigation by the anti-corruption bureau. Also, the Shinde-Fadnavis government passed a bill in the assembly retaining 227 wards in BMC. The Uddhav camp has already filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the reversal of its decision on delimitation. The top court is yet to take up the matter for hearing.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said after all corruption allegations against the BMC, a CAG audit will be done. He said some BMC employees are starting their own companies and working, this will be investigated and special CAG audit will be conducted for corruption allegations against the BMC

Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena is currently ruling the BMC. In the last elections held in 2017, Shiv Sena and BJP contested together. Sena won 84 while BJP got 82. Uddhav Thackeray's move to increase the number of wards was seen as an attempt to benefit the Sena. The BJP had opposed the move. The Congress, which was part of the MVA coalition in Maharashtra, also opposed the delimitation of wards.

After the MVA govt fell and Shinde returned to power as chief minister, he reversed the decision of Uddhav.