BJP will not contest Mayoral election in Mumbai: Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnvais cleared the air on Mumbai's Mayoral battle on Saturday when he said the BJP won't contest Mumbai Mayoral and deputy Mayoral polls. In a statement to the media, Fadnavis said: "BJP corporators will act as watchdogs of transparency in BMC."

Dispelling doubts about the Maharashtra government's stability, Fadnavis said: "No threat to my government, it is stable." Making it amply clear that BJP won't be compromising on transparency, the state Chief Minister also said: "We will not be in the opposition, we will support the ruling party but will not compromise on transparency."

Despite being partners in Central and state governments, the Shiv Sena and BJP fought the recently concluded BMC polls separately. After the results were announced, the Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party in the 227-member council with 84 seats. BJP followed in close with 82. Congress was decimated as it secured the third spot with only 31 seats, while NCP got nine corporators while MNS bagged seven seats.