FPJ POLITICAL BUREAU Mumbai

Politics over the post of Nashik Mayor got a new twist as NCP has asked the RPI to support their corporator for the Mayors post in the Nashik Municipal Corporation.

Nashik could have an RPI corporator as the Mayor with the support of NCP and Shiv Sena.

However, this combination would still need the support of either BJP or the Congress to make it happen.

The offer is now seen as the only viable solution in Nashik as no political alliance is in a position to form the government there singlehandedly.

This formula emerged after a meeting between NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal and RPI leader Ramdas Athavale on Wednesday.

Though the MNS has the largest number of corporators, they fell short of 22 for the half- way mark. Shiv Sena, which was earlier not ready to support the MNS, on Wednesday took a soft stand and hinted that if they were consulted they could support the MNS. Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray while speaking with Marathi daily 'Navshakti', clearly hinted that the doors were open for talks. But a meeting between Athavale and Bhujbal has created doubts on whether Sena is really inclined to support MNS or they are buying time to check other possibilities.

" Without consent from Sena leadership for their support to RPI Mayor, Athavale could not meet Bhujbal," a senior RPI leader said on condition of anonymity. RPI has 4 corporators and Sena has 19.

With NCP and either Congress or BJP support, RPI can easily beat MNS to the Mayors post. Both NCP and Sena are eager to check MNS in Nashik. " In Nashik, Dr.

Ambedkar had fought a long battle for social revolution and also his disciple Dadasaheb Gayakwad played a major role here in this movement.

Therefore we are positive for this proposal," a close associate of Athavale said.