Begin afresh

Sir — This refers to the editorial, “The Mayor of Mumbai” (March 1). The voters of Mumbai have given a fractured verdict in the civic bodies elections, with both the saffron parties getting almost equal seats, but neither has the required number to appoint its Mayor. 

Since the Shiv Sena won by just two seats, it has the constitutional right to come forward. But the Shiv Sena has reservations against the latter. On the other hand, it does not have the required number of seats to appoint its Mayor. It is in a Catch-22 situation: Have an interaction with its saffron counterpart or to opt for its traditional bête noire, the Congress. 

If it opts for the Congress, it will have to face public ire. Moreover, it will also be suicidal for both parties, as the Shiv Sena has shown its acrimony against north Indians in Mumbai; and Uttar Pradesh elections are still going on. Therefore, for the betterment of the civic corporation, the Shiv Sena must forget its past bitterness and re-align with the BJP.