Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
The reservation for mayoral posts in 29 municipal corporations was announced on 22 January. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the mayoral post is reserved for the general category, prompting BJP aspirants to begin meeting senior leaders from the same day.
While discussions continue on the names of corporators elected from the general category, the mayor will be chosen only after the Zilla Parishad elections. BJP has 14 corporators in this category, and aspirants are reaching out to ministers and leaders in Delhi and Mumbai, citing their experience and party work.
Several leaders from Congress, NCP, Uddhav Sena, City Development Front, and Shinde Sena have recently joined BJP. Some have received municipal posts, others organizational roles, with preference so far given to newcomers over seniors. Party members are appealing to leadership to maintain balance in selecting office bearers, including the mayor.
Group leader post
Four names have been sent to the state committee for the group leader post, expected to be finalized within days. Currently, 40 corporators are registered with the divisional commissioner, with remaining registrations to be completed this week.
Election likely after 7th
Most corporators are occupied with Zilla Parishad responsibilities. All are expected to remain in their groups until 7 February, after which the mayoral election may be scheduled, said MP Dr. Bhagwat Karad.
Final decision on Mayor
After Zilla Parishad and panchayat committee elections, preparations for mayoral selection will accelerate. No party-level movement has occurred yet; the local core committee will finalize names once state instructions arrive, said BJP city president Kishor Shitole.