Ajiv Yashwant Patil of Hitendra Thakur’s Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) has been elected as the new Mayor of the Vasai–Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC), reaffirming the strong political hold of the Thakur-led party in the region. In the mayoral election, Ajiv Patil secured a clear majority, defeating BJP’s Adv. Darshana Tripathi-Kotek. The victory announcement was met with jubilant cheers and the sound of the BVA’s party symbol, the whistle, echoing through the assembly. Multiple candidates contested the mayoral post, but the main battle was between BVA and BJP, with BVA also fielding Prafull Sane and Nishad Chorghe.
For the deputy mayoral post, BVA candidates Marshal Dominic Lopes and Kanhaiya Bhoir triumphed over BJP’s Narayan Manjrekar. The selection of Ajiv Patil and Marshal Lopes highlights BVA’s emphasis on social harmony and inclusivity, representing diverse communities and consolidating its influence ahead of future elections.
The special session began with the scrutiny of nomination papers, followed by a period for candidates to withdraw. In the final voting, both BVA candidates defeated their BJP rivals. Following the results, party workers celebrated outside the municipal headquarters with colorful festivities and jubilant cheer.
The Vasai–Virar Municipal Corporation comprises 29 wards and 115 seats, with the majority mark set at 58. In the recent civic elections, BVA secured a commanding 70 seats, while BJP won 43 seats. The Congress and Shiv Sena were reduced to just one seat each, highlighting the bipolar nature of the contest.
Despite BJP MLA Rajan Naik claiming that his party could mobilize additional support to challenge BVA’s majority, the ruling alliance successfully maintained its hold, ensuring Ajiv Patil’s victory. The result reinforces the continued dominance of the Thakur-led BVA in Vasai–Virar, while BJP’s efforts to make inroads, despite strong performances in recent Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, fell short.