India, Sept. 9 -- The disqualification of Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Vishakha Raut, a former mayor of Mumbai, has triggered a bitter battle between the Sena (UBT) and Shiv Sena, which stands to reap significant political gains with Raut's departure from the BMC. It has also cast doubts on whether the ruling dispensation is bending the law to its advantage - while staying within its bounds.

Raut had contested the BMC election from the high-profile ward 191, which covers Shivaji Park and Dadar west, a reserved constituency. With the Palghar District Caste Scrutiny Committee invalidating her OBC claim - her appeal is pending before the divisional commissioner - it paves the way for the runner-up candidate, Priya Sarvankar-Gurava, to occupy ...