Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
On the 20th day after the results of the municipal corporation elections were declared, Prof. Govind Kendre has been appointed as the BJP group leader in the municipal corporation. Kendre has been elected from Prabhag No. 27. In 2015, his wife was elected from the Garkheda–Mehernagar ward.
The group leader represents the political party in the municipal corporation. Under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949, and the related political rules, the group leader has several responsibilities. Announcing Kendre’s appointment OBC welfare minister Atul Save expressed the expectation that under his (Kendre’s) leadership, all BJP corporators in the body would work towards good governance and effective administration. City BJP President Kishor Shitole also confirmed the appointment.
A total of 57 BJP corporators have been elected to the municipal corporation. The last date for filing nomination papers for the posts of mayor and deputy mayor is February 6. Candidates for both these posts have not yet been finalised.
Responsibilities of the group leader
1. Party representation and control
The group leader issues directions to effectively present the party’s official stand in the general body (GB) meetings of the municipal corporation. The responsibility of enforcing the whip lies with the group leader. During voting on important proposals, he has the authority to issue a whip directing all corporators to vote in accordance with the party’s policy.
2. Coordination within the party
Based on the instructions of senior leaders, he recommends which corporators from the party should be appointed to the standing committee, education committee or other special committees. Ensuring representation on committees according to the party’s numerical strength and finalising the selection of members is also part of his responsibility.
3. Leadership of corporators
Maintaining discipline among party corporators and addressing their difficulties is an important role. The group leader also guides newly elected corporators by explaining the functioning of the municipal corporation and the rules of procedure followed in meetings.
4. Strategic decision-making
During the selection of the mayor or deputy mayor, he plays a crucial role in formulating the party’s strategy. He acts as an important link between the municipal corporation administration and the political party.