AMC comes alive as polls near

The 42-member House currently is a mixed bag for both the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena and the Congress. A strong pose of opposition members holding the balance of power. The unpredictable political situations made the political pundits cautious on reactions, yet almost all are unanimous over the role of independents in deciding the next municipal chief.

The AMC saw at least two political coups in the recent past with independent member Deep Chavan emerging a winner with Congres support. The Congress group lead by former municipal president Arun Jagtap however turned the tables for Chavan who later faced a no-trust motion and later abandoned the office in favour of Shelke.

The aspirants, meanwhile, have geared up as former BJP city unit chief Vasant Lodha hosted a dinner party for council members, recently. Timed at the end of chaturmas, Lodha’s endeavour was believed to be a move to tap the grounds for a proposed candidature for his wife, Lata. Conspicuous at the party were outgoing president Shelke, former civic chiefs Chavan, Jagtap and Shankarrao Ghule and district Congress president Dada Kalamkar. The observers are watching the changing equations which they maintain would decide the fate of the eves aspiring for the post.