When contacted, Bandri refused to comment, but Shrikant Singh not only confirmed the news but also told Express Newsline that he was looking forward to his new placement. He scoffed at rumours that he had declined the offer. ``I have never declined any placement, so why should it happen now?'' he asked and explained that the exact date of his taking over would be decided later in co-ordination with Bandri.

The news, which spread quickly in the KDMC, has sent the Sena circles into raptures. With civic elections only a year away and nothing to show except the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Transport bus service, there is growing concern in the Sena about whether it willreturn to power. A Sena leader said a party delegation had met Sena chief Bal Thackeray recently to inform him of this, and the transfer has therefore been made to suit the party.