Thaindian News

Nashik (Maharashtra), Feb 19 (IANS) Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray Sunday expressed confidence that his party would be able to install its mayor in the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) for the next five years.

Arriving here on a thanksgiving visit, Thackeray said that since his party had emerged as the largest single entity in the 122-member NMC, the mayor would be from the MNS.

The MNS got 40 seats in the 122-member house, while the Congress-NCP grabbed 35 and the Shiv Sena-led combine managed to come third with 33 seats, with the remaining 14 going to independents and others.

Though Thackeray made it clear Saturday that the MNS “engine (the party’s symbol)” would “not be parked in somebody else’s yard,” meaning that it would not ally with any other party, the NMC outcome may dictate otherwise.

The MNS would require the support of at least another 22 corporators in the 122-member house to achieve a simple majority.

Since MNS has secured only 40 seats, it would be forced to seek support of at least another 22 corporators - from the 14-strong lot of independents and others, or the external support of either the Congress-NCP or SS-BJP-RPI groups.

However, Thackeray chose to dismiss all contentions, claiming he had not come to “make mathematical calculations or finalise political alliances.”

Nevertheless, he conceded that he should have concentrated on Nashik a little more by addressing a couple of extra rallies, to secure an absolute majority, especially since 14 MNS candidates lost by thin margins, while another 38 who lost came second.

“We all learn from mistakes and improve. The people of Nashik have reposed faith in the MNS and we shall not let them down,” Thackeray assured.