A political hullabaloo has gripped Patna Municipal Corporation as mayor Afzal Imam faces a floor test on Thursday.

The opposition has held frequent meetings over the past few days to gather the maximum numbers in favour of the motion as they have been claiming that around 50 ward councillors would vote against Imam on Thursday.

"We are sure to win the no-confidence motion as we have gathered a majority of ward councillors, who would vote in favour of the motion. There is a widespread resentment against Imam for his attitude of misuse of power and negligence of his responsibilities towards residents. He would be removed from the chair of mayor with a clear-cut majority," said Vinay Kumar Pappu, the former deputy mayor.

Sources, however, claimed that a few ward councillors could change their decision at the last moment after being lured by the mayor and his supporters.

"Though we have the numbers as of today (Wednesday), nothing can be said about what would happen in the no-trust motion tomorrow (Thursday). Even last time, Imam defeated the no-confidence motion with a mere single vote. It has been seen many times that a few ward councillors change sides at the 11th hour as they are bribed by the other party," said a ward councillor.

A total of 40 ward-councillors, including 24 women, had moved the no-confidence motion against mayor Imam on June 27.

The ward councillors in the opposition have levelled various charges of negligence of civic services and misconduct in discharging duties against Imam in the proposal for the no-confidence motion.

The mayor's camp, naturally, is busy in forming strategies as to how to defeat the motion as they did in May last year. "The opposition is making false claims regarding having 50 ward councillors in favour of the motion. Most support Imam and we are sure that the no-trust motion would be defeated tomorrow," said Abha Lata, councillor from ward number 4.

During the meeting, a debate would be held between the two sides, which would be followed by voting for the no-confidence motion. If more than 37 ward councillors (more than 50 per cent of total strength of PMC Board [72]) vote for the motion, the incumbent mayor would be removed and the municipal commissioner would recommend to the urban development and housing department to hold fresh elections for the civic body.

According to norms prescribed by the Bihar Municipal Act, the opposition can bring two no-confidence motions against the mayor during his tenure.