BJP struggles for chairperson’s post despite majority

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:0

BJP member Kalyan Gaikwad, elected from Kachner, was chosen as chairperson of the tehsil Panchayat Samiti. Despite having a combined majority of 14 members including seven from the BJP, six from the Shinde Sena and one from the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), the BJP secured the chairperson’s post with only nine votes.

For the post of vice-chairperson, Balasaheb Gadhe of the Shinde Sena, elected from Wadgaon (Kopra West), won with 10 votes. The absence of three members from the Uddhav Sena reduced the quorum in the house. The election process also revealed internal divisions within the Shinde Sena over the vice-chairperson’s post.

The election process began at 2 pm in the Panchayat Samiti hall amid heavy police security. For the chairperson’s post, BJP candidates Kalyan Gaikwad and Sarjerao Chavan, and Anurag Shinde of the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), filed nominations. For vice-chairperson, Balasaheb Gadhe, Babasaheb Rathod (both from the Shinde Sena) and Anurag Shinde were in the fray.

In the voting held by a show of hands in the presence of presiding officer Vyankt Rathod and co-presiding officer Shivanand Bidwe, Gaikwad secured nine votes, while Shinde received eight votes. For the vice-chairperson’s post, Gadhe secured 10 votes, while Rathod got seven votes. Shinde did not receive any votes.

Following the election, MLA Anuradha Chavan and city president Kishor Shitole congratulated the newly elected chairperson and vice-chairperson.

NCP’s surprise move

The NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) had managed to win only one seat in the tehsil, from Gevrai Budruk, where Anurag Shinde was elected. Although the Maha Vikas Aghadi had not fielded a candidate in the election, Shinde managed to secure eight votes, reportedly drawing support from the Congress, Prahar organisation, Uddhav Sena and some members of the Shinde Sena.

The contest for the chairperson’s post between BJP’s Gaikwad and NCP’s Shinde turned out to be a close one, with Gaikwad winning by just one vote (9–8). Political observers said the NCP’s move at the last moment created a challenge for the Mahayuti alliance. The election also indicated divisions within the Shinde Sena.

BJP turns the game overnight

There was also discussion in political circles that the BJP managed to turn the situation in its favour overnight on Monday. Uddhav Sena and the Shinde Sena had reportedly attempted to deal a blow to the BJP, but the absence of three Uddhav Sena members changed the outcome. Uddhav Sena district chief Ambadas Danve said action would be taken against the absent members.

Party strength in the tehsil Panchayat Samiti

BJP: 7

Shinde Sena: 6

Uddhav Sena: 4

Congress: 1

NCP (Ajit Pawar faction): 1

Prahar organisation: 1

Total members: 20