Mudliar put in her papers on Thursday announcing her support to the Maratha strongman. Her decision invited the ire from her opponents who pelted stones at her residence in protest.

The Congress, with 32 members in the SMC, had struck a political deal with Communist Party of India (M), Janata Dal, Republican Party of India and a few independents to gain an edge over the saffron alliance. However, the 13- member pro-Sharad Pawar group, severing itself from the Congress after his explusion, has put the party on the back foot.

The real problem arose when Suman Mudliar submitted her resignation to the Additional Municipal Commissioner G R Godbole. She was elected to the post on March 20, defeating Sena candidate Ganesh Pardeshi. Mayor Sanjay Hemgaddi, the independent corporator, however, remained neutral and has decided to enjoy his term.

Mudliar claimed she self-respect by resigning from the post as she was in the chair because of Sharad Pawar. ``Power is not more important than loyalty to Pawar,'' she said.

However, she has invited wrath from Sonia supporters who were upbraided her for the decision without consulting the mayor and her voters. Tension prevailed in the vicinity of her residence when a gang of miscreants pelted her house breaking the window panes. Mudliar, however, was out of station when the incident took place, it was stated.

The resignation has necessitated an election for the post which could give a new twist to the city politics putting BJP-Sena at a vantage point with Congress a divided house. Pro-Pawar faction leader Janardan Karampuri, however, has stated that suitable steps would be taken to avoid helping the alliance.