While Kalmadi announced the merger of MVA with Congress on June 2 by organising an impressive rally at Congress Bhavan, the MVA has not yet submitted any letter to the Divisional Commissioner, informing the same, which is required under the provisions of Anti-Defection Law. MVA sources said the letter had not been deliberately submitted since all MVA office bearers - mayor, deputy mayor, standing committee chairman, PMT committee chairman and leader of the house - would lose their positions owing to the legal provisions.

In case of completion of legal procedure, the fresh elections for all the office bearers would be required to be held, the sources adding that the fresh elections could loosen Kalmadi's hold over the civic body because the MVA would be forced to share the posts with original Congress.

Standing committee chairman Arun Dhimdhime, who has sought the Congress nomination from Parvati segment, also could not clarify about the precise legal provisions. He said he would demand Congress symbol if legal problems crop up. The sources said Mayor Datta Gaikwad, who was keen in contesting from Bopodi segment, reportedly took the decision to opt out from the race only because of legalities involved.