BJP, Shinde Sena vie for ZP President Post

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

After securing the Mayor’s post, the BJP is now pushing to claim the Zilla Parishad (ZP) President’s post as the “big brother” in the alliance. However, Shinde Sena is equally assertive, setting the stage for negotiations likely to be held with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

The February 9, ZP results produced no clear majority, though the mandate favoured the Mahayuti. BJP won 23 seats plus one supported member (24 total), while Shinde Sena secured 21 seats plus one supported member (22 total). In 2017–2022, despite higher numbers, the BJP was kept out of the President’s post as the undivided Shiv Sena allied with Congress. Currently, BJP (24) and the Ajit Pawar faction (4) together have 28 members. Shinde Sena has 22, Congress 1, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) 1, Uddhav Sena 9, and Independents 4. In the 63-member House, the majority mark is 32. With the numbers delicately balanced, the BJP has gone into alert mode.

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Atul Save said the BJP, having won 24 seats, is the “big brother” and should hold the President’s post for the first two-and-a-half years. Guardian Minister Sanjay Shirsat said a fair decision would be sought after meeting the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

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ZP Strength: BJP 23; Shinde Sena 21; Congress 1; NCP (Ajit Pawar) 4; NCP (Sharad Pawar) 1; Uddhav Sena 9; Independents 4. Total: 63.