In a historic move for the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday appointed women to the two highest positions in the civic body—mayor and chairman of the standing committee—for the first time. BJP councillor Geeta Makwana from ward 13 was elected as the mayor, while Varsha Vyas from ward 2 was named chairperson of the standing committee during the first general board meeting of the newly elected corporation.
Key Appointments in the Civic Body
The party also designated Shweta Macchi from ward 4 as its leader in the civic body. Aditya Patel from ward 7 was appointed deputy mayor, and Vijay Chauhan from ward 16 was named party whip. The BJP holds an overwhelming majority in the 76-member corporation, with 69 seats under its control.
These appointments are seen as a significant political message from the BJP, signaling enhanced representation of women in urban local governance. While the VMC has previously had women mayors—including Bharati Vyas, Jyoti Pandya, and Pinky Soni—Geeta Makwana becomes only the fourth woman to hold the post. Varsha Vyas, meanwhile, is only the second woman to lead the standing committee, following Dr. Jigisha Sheth, who later became mayor.
Composition of the Standing Committee
The 12-member standing committee constituted on Thursday includes Varsha Vyas, Manoj Shah, Bhupendra Machhi, Paresh Brahmbhatt, Bhanji Patel, Bhursinh Rathva, Rita Acharya, Narvirsinh Chudasama, Nitin Donga, Rita Singh, Nimisha Panchal, and Dipika Patni.
Defying Political Speculation
Interestingly, the BJP's decision went against political speculation within party circles. The mayor's post for the first 2.5-year term was reserved for a Scheduled Caste (SC) corporator, and party insiders had indicated that the BJP was likely to pick a male councillor, as the second half of the term is reserved for an OBC woman corporator. However, the party eventually chose Geeta Makwana.
Mayor's Humble Background
Makwana's elevation to the city's top elected civic office has drawn attention due to her modest background. Her family resides in the Bakrawadi area of the city, and her husband, Umesh Makwana, runs a small tin-shade kiosk selling toffees outside their home. BJP workers noted that Umesh Makwana has been active in the party at the grassroots level for years and has served as a booth manager.
