Jaipur/Alwar: BJP and Congress are finding themselves in a tough position in Bharatpur Municipal Corporation (BMC) as independents have become decisive players there, securing 36 out of 65 wards—surpassing the majority threshold of 33. With the mayoral election scheduled for Sept 21, both major parties are now urgently seeking to gain the support of these independent candidates.After the election results were declared Monday, BJP has 20 councillors and needs at least 13 independents to cross the majority mark, while Congress, with just seven, is looking at the independent bloc to retain a foothold in the civic body. The result assumes added significance as Bharatpur is the home district of CM Bhajan Lal Sharma.Former BJP state president Ashok Parnami, who has been tasked with managing the party’s efforts in Bharatpur, has been camping in the city and reaching out to independents since the results were declared. “Of the 36 independents, around 31 are of BJP ideology. We are making every effort to ensure that the BMC governing board is formed with their support,” Parnami told TOI.Even the party’s state in charge Radha Mohan Das Agarwal and party general secretary Ajaey Singh are monitoring the situation to ensure the ‘desired’ results; else, questions on the performance of the Sharma-led state govt would be evident.Congress, meanwhile, is keeping the option of an independent-led board open. Congress treasurer Rohit Bohra said the party was closely monitoring the developments in Bharatpur and was ready to extend outside support if the independents stay together.“Congress has seven councillors, while BSP and RLP have one each, taking our strength to nine. Even if 25 independents come together, a good, united governing board can be formed,” Bohra said.Post-poll manoeuvring has also put the spotlight on Bharatpur MP Sanjna Jatav, for whom retaining Congress’s influence in the civic body has become a test of her political standing. Her role in the negotiations is being watched closely within the opposition party.Several independents have reportedly become difficult to reach since the results were declared. Sources said some were unavailable at their residences while others switched off their phones.Independents, at the same time, are trying to put up a united front and resist pressure from both BJP and Congress. At least three are aggressively working to form an independent-led board. “BJP is reaching out to us, but I feel it would be appropriate for the party to support us from outside,” said an independent councillor, who did not wish to be identified.With the mayoral election less than a week away, the race is now as much about keeping the 36 independents together as it is about winning them over. If the bloc stays united, it can form BMC board on its own; if it fractures, BJP’s 20-member camp could be within striking distance of taking control.
