BJP Corporators Boycott Ulhasnagar Women's Day Event Over Alleged Protocol Violation
Political tensions flared in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) on Sunday as corporators from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a boycott of a Women's Day programme organized by the civic body. The protest was triggered by an invitation card that reportedly failed to include the name of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a move BJP leaders labeled as a deliberate breach of protocol.
Event Details and Controversial Omission
The programme, held to commemorate International Women's Day and honor local women achievers, was organized by the UMC's Child Welfare Department under the guidance of Mayor Ashwini Kamlesh Nikam, who represents the Shiv Sena. According to BJP officials, the invitation card prominently featured the names of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Member of Parliament Shrikant Shinde but conspicuously omitted CM Fadnavis's name.
Rajesh Vadhrya, BJP district president and party group leader in the UMC, asserted that this omission was intentional and violated established norms. "If the Deputy CM's name was included, it was mandatory as per protocol to also mention the Chief Minister. Since this was not done, we had no choice but to boycott the event," Vadhrya stated. He further demanded disciplinary action from UMC Commissioner Manisha Awhale against the civic officials responsible for issuing the invitation.
Distribution and Political Fallout
The invitation cards were distributed to numerous women achievers, corporators, and party office-bearers across the city. While the card included references to Deputy Mayor and BJP MLA Kumar Ailani, BJP leaders emphasized that the absence of CM Fadnavis's name raised serious concerns about political motives behind the oversight.
In response to the controversy, Mayor Ashwini Nikam defended the event's non-political nature. "This was not a political gathering. As a woman mayor, alongside our woman municipal commissioner, we organized this programme solely to recognize women who have made significant contributions to society and carved out their own identities. It is inappropriate to politicize such an occasion," she remarked.
Administrative Confusion and Broader Implications
Adding to the confusion, UMC Public Relations Officer Ajay Sable claimed unawareness of any issues related to the invitation card, highlighting potential communication gaps within the civic administration. This incident underscores the ongoing political friction between ruling allies in Maharashtra, particularly in local governance bodies like the UMC, where protocol and symbolic gestures often become flashpoints for conflict.
The boycott not only disrupted the Women's Day celebrations but also reignited debates about the delicate balance of power and respect in coalition politics, with implications for future civic events and inter-party relations in the region.
