Kolhapur Congress in a soup

KOLHAPUR, Nov 12: Rumours of at least seven corporators of ruling Tararani Aghadi in Kolhapur Municipal Corporation defecting to Shahu Swabhimani Aghadi of the Congress loyalists shocked the civic corridors today, as the deadline for mayoral elections is just a few hours away. Hectic pre-poll manoevuring is going on in Kolhapur for the past week. However, overall scenario appeared dull till today when the much-needed colour was added with strong reports that seven members of ruling Tararani Aghadi have showed willingness to return to Congress fold.

According to sources, the seven members are likely to be moved out of Kolhapur to keep them at a safe distance from the camp of Tararani Aghadi. At present, out of 72 total elected representatives in the corporation, the ruling Tararani Aghadi owing allegiance to MLC Mahadeorao Mahadik has a strength of 44. On the other hand, the strength of Shahu Swabhimani Aghadi of Congress loyalists and Shiv Sena is 17 and 11 respectively. After Shiv Sena8217;s decision to support Mahadik group in local politics, the strength of two camps grew to 55.