Mayor and deputy mayor to be from BJP, List submitted to State Committee

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

With BJP winning 57 municipal seats, it is clear that the party has a full majority in the municipal corporation. As a result, the mayor and deputy mayor posts are set to go to BJP. On Tuesday, the local core committee submitted names of four councillors each for the positions of mayor, deputy mayor, and group leader to the state committee.

Although the Shiv Sena will be part of the grand alliance, it is unlikely they will receive any posts in the municipal corporation at present. Meanwhile, BJP state president MLA Ravindra Chavan reviewed the names of mayoral candidates at the party office in Chikalthana from 9 am to 3 pm, alongside local leaders. However, as every leader had a different preference, local consensus could not be reached. Finally, following the instructions to submit a list, the core committee forwarded four names for each post.

It has been 19 days since the municipal election results, and while decisions have been taken across the state, the BJP’s mayor, deputy mayor, and group leader here have yet to be finalised.

State President’s Outlook

“Whoever is destined will become mayor. Leaders including minister Save, MLA Karad, Shirish Boralakar, MLC Kenekar, governor Haribhau Bagade, BJP leader Raosaheb Danve, and City presidents Shitole and Mangrule all have their preferred names. If all unite behind one candidate, it’s ideal; otherwise, seniors will decide. Once consensus is reached, decisions will follow. Even if AIMIM members are elected, they too will focus on development. Development remains our agenda. With Ajit Pawar’s demise, leaders are absent during campaigning, so the elections are largely fought by the workers themselves,” said state president Ravindra Chavan.

Application process

The party will require all aspirants to submit their applications, with only one candidate allowed on 10 February, the day of the mayoral election. Others will be asked to withdraw, ensuring the municipal election results are not affected by internal conflicts, according to some party councillors.

Core committee statements

“The committee meeting was held, and names of all aspirants have been sent to the state committee.”

—- Atul Save, OBC welfare minister

“The group leader will be finalised on Wednesday. Four names for the mayoral post have been sent to seniors.”

– Dr. Bhagwat Karad, MP

“Names for the mayoral post have been sent to the state committee; the senior leadership will give the final decision.”

— Sanjay Kenekar, MLC

“All four names were unanimously chosen. The senior leadership’s decision will be respected.”

– Basvaraj Mangrul, member

“Four names each have been sent for mayor, deputy mayor, and group leader posts.”

– Kishor Shitole, city president