BJP Legislator Makes Strong Pitch for Thane Mayor Post
BJP legislator Niranjan Davkhare made a forceful argument on Monday. He wants his party to hold the mayor's position in the Thane civic body for a full two-year term. This demand comes as the political struggle over the Mumbai mayor's post continues without a clear resolution.
Government Issues Notification for Mayor's Lottery
The state government issued an important notification on Monday. It announced that the mayor's reservation lottery will take place on January 22. The urban development department will conduct this lottery. Sources indicate the actual mayor's election will likely happen on January 31.
Deputy CM Shinde Assures Mahayuti Mayor in BMC
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde addressed the situation directly. He stated clearly that the mayor in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will come from the Mahayuti alliance. Shinde emphasized there is no dispute with the BJP over this matter.
Party functionaries revealed Shinde might travel to New Delhi soon. His potential trip aims to resolve the current impasse before January 23. That date marks the beginning of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray's centenary celebrations.
Key Meeting Scheduled Between Sena and BJP Leaders
Shiv Sena functionaries confirmed an important meeting will occur on Tuesday. This will be the first meeting between Sena and BJP leaders after the BMC poll results. Expected participants include several prominent figures:
- Sena's former MP Rahul Shewale
- BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam
- BJP corporator Prabhakar Shinde
- Sena functionary Sheetal Mhatre
Shinde Denies Reports of New Political Equations
Deputy CM Shinde strongly dismissed speculation about new political formations. He said there is no truth to reports of fresh political equations being created in Mumbai or elsewhere in Maharashtra.
"We will not repeat what Uddhav Thackeray did in 2019," Shinde declared. "He formed a government that disrespected the public mandate. We respect the public mandate completely."
Shinde connected recent electoral successes to broader support. "These three elections - Lok Sabha, assembly, and municipal - were fought with Balasaheb Thackeray's blessings and Prime Minister Modi's guidance. Wherever we contested as Mahayuti, a Mahayuti mayor will be elected."
He framed the political struggle in developmental terms. "Our fight is not for power or position. Our fight is for Mumbai's development. We have focused on what we will deliver to Mumbaikars."
Shinde Addresses Sena Corporators' Hotel Stay
Shinde also commented on Shiv Sena corporators staying in a hotel. He explained they held a meeting where corporators received guidance about their five-year responsibilities.
"Sena and BJP contested BMC elections together," Shinde noted. "Wherever we contested as Mahayuti - including Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, and Ulhasnagar - there will be a Mahayuti mayor."
He acknowledged sentimental considerations. "Since this is Balasaheb Thackeray's birth centenary, workers naturally desire a Sena mayor. We will discuss this matter."
Other Parties Prepare to Register Groups
Apart from Shiv Sena, other political parties are also preparing for the upcoming process. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress are likely to register their groups on Wednesday. This registration represents another step in the complex municipal political landscape.
