More merger calls! After MSRTC staff went on strike demanding merger with the state, BEST trade unions raised the demand for merger of BEST with the BMC. “The BEST is an integral part of the BMC. During earlier protests, the Shiv Sena had promised to fast-track the merger of BEST with the BMC. We want Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to keep that promise,” said SS Nalawade, general secretary of BEST Jagrut Kamgar Sanghatana.

Nalawade said, “We all know that BEST is running into losses. Prior to 2003, the losses of the transport wing were compensated by the power wing. After 2003, BEST’s  dominance of electricity in the city ended with the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC), and BEST continued to garner losses. This could be reversed only by merger of BEST with the BMC.” He pointed out that even the taxation authorities identify it as one unit as the BEST and BMC have a common PAN Card. “During earlier discussions, the Sena had assured that these will be merged. We just want them to keep the promise and assure us in writing,” he stated in a letter to the chief minister’s office.