Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
A candidate with municipal experience, elected at least twice, familiar with party organization, capable of coordinating with local representatives and state and central governments, and possessing the ability to win elections will be chosen for the mayoral post. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule told journalists that a meeting on this will be held in Mumbai on February 2.
Since 2015, several leaders from other parties have joined the BJP. Among the prospective candidates are individuals from Shahar Pragati Aghadi, Congress, NCP, and Uddhav Sena, creating two factions within the party. Responding to whether the candidate would be from original BJP or others, Bawankule said, “It does not matter when they joined. If they wear the lotus, they are ours. The candidate must have the ability to win, organizational experience, party discipline, coordination with representatives, understanding of state and central policies, and at least two terms as corporator. An inclusive, humble, senior, and experienced leader will become mayor.”
The meeting was attended by OBC Welfare Minister Atul Save, MLC Sanjay Kenekar and MLA Anuradha Chavan, and BJP city president Kishor Shitole. With the post now open to the general category, BJP aspirants have begun lobbying within and outside the party. The local core committee will forward names to the state committee on February 2, followed by a meeting with CM Devendra Fadnavis to finalize the candidate. BJP has 57 corporators, with 10 strong contenders under consideration, some even coordinating with leaders in Delhi and Mumbai.