We support Shiv Sena but will play checks and balances for transparency: BJP

Mumbai: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday said the decision of pulling out of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor race is in the interest of Mumbai people, adding that it would support Shiv Sena while keeping the `transparency` as the utmost priority.

"This magnanimous gesture of our Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is in the interest of Mumbaikar. We will stand united to support the Sena in places where Mumbaikar benefits but we will also play checks and balances when it comes to transparency," BJP leader Shaina NC told ANI.

Shaina further said the BJP is not desperate to be in power but is desperately seeking to work for the Mumbai people who have voted it to the power.

Commenting on Shiv Sena leader Diwakar Raote`s assertion that `remote control will always be with the Shiv Sena`, Shaina said, "We respect the mandate of the people of Mumbai and despite the fact that we have only two seats, we are not resorting to any horse trade. 

Raote can say what he wants, the Shiv Sena can do what it wants, we only hope that it will all be in the interest of Mumbaikar."Raote had yesterday categorically stated that the `remote control` will always be with the Shiv Sena.

"The power which I call `Remote Control` is and will always be with the Shiv Sena. When good work is continuing in the state with the help of the government then I have nothing to comment on. The act which BJP has taken is the most sensible one and I thank them for it from the bottom of my heart," Raote told ANI.

Fadnavis yesterday stated that the BJP will not contest for Mayor or Deputy Mayor."At the end of the day the Shiv Sena did win by more seats than us, so we respect the mandate of the people.

 We will not contest for Mayor or Deputy Mayor, nor will we play the role of Opposition in the BMC. 

BJP will support Shiv Sena for the sake of development, and we won`t compromise on transparency," he said.The election for BMC`s Mayor post will be held on March 8.