MNS to conduct exam for selecting candidates for civic polls

"Eligible and efficient candidates who clear the exam would be given tickets to contest the elections," MNS chief Raj Thackeray said while addressing a party meet here.

Besides the prestigious Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), civic bodies at Thane, Pune, Nashik and Nagpur among others, are due for polls in early next year.

Those aspiring to contest elections in these municipal corporations as MNS nominees will have to appear for the one- and-a half hour exam on December 4, he said.

Questions related to various aspects of the civic administration will be asked in the exam.
Asserting that conventional methods of choosing candidates must change, Raj said people should know their nominees are capable and efficient.

The MNS chief said he did not care for people who think the move is a "stunt". "Candidates should not think they will get tickets for sure. Only those clearing the examination will be eligible for tickets."

Raj stated that he will personally take interviews of the candidates who have passed the examination.

"For Assembly elections also, exams will be conducted," he said, adding that, "If I want to contest the elections, the rule will apply to me too.

"The aim is not to deny tickets to the candidates but to make them more efficient. The incumbent Corporators will also have to write the exams if they want to contest again," the MNS leader asserted.