BJP's Sagar Naik Appointed House Leader in Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated Sagar Naik, a former mayor and nephew of forest minister Ganesh Naik, as the House leader of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). This significant appointment occurred during the first general body meeting of the newly elected body on Friday. Naik, who was previously elected as the BJP group leader, now assumes a pivotal role in municipal governance.
Opposition Leadership and Standing Committee Composition
In a parallel development, Shiv Sena's Vijay Chougule was nominated as the Leader of the Opposition, setting the stage for political dynamics in the corporation. The BJP secured 10 members in the newly constituted Standing Committee, reflecting its strength of 66 corporators in the House of 111. Shiv Sena obtained six members out of the total 16-member committee, based on its party strength of 42 corporators.
The Standing Committee is widely regarded as the key to the municipal corporation's treasury, making its composition crucial for financial decisions and policy implementation.
Experienced Corporators Given Opportunities
From the BJP quota, the party provided opportunities to experienced and loyal corporators, including former mayors Jaywant Sutar and Sudhakar Sonawane, along with Shashikant Bhoir, Pradeep Gavas, Ashok Patil, Suresh Shetty, Sagar Naik, Sandeep Mhatre, Swati Gurkhe, and Anjali Valunj. Shiv Sena's representatives on the committee are Anita Patil, Deepali Sakpal, Suresh Kulkarni, Akash Madhavi, Saroj Patil, and Mandakini Mhatre.
Appointment of Nominated Corporators
Mayor Sujata Patil announced the appointment of 10 nominated corporators in the elected House, as part of the civic body process to include additional members. The BJP's nominated members include Kuldeep Suri, Bharat Nakhate, Jagjivan Keni, Aparna Gavte, Amit Medhkar, and Laxmikant Patil. From Shiv Sena, the nominated members are Dwarkanath Bhoir, Sahil Chougule, Suresh Bhilare, and Ankush Kadam.
Property Tax Proposal Sparks Debate
During the meeting, BJP corporator Shaila Patil proposed fixing property tax rates for the financial year 2026-27. BJP members Suraj Patil and Ravindra Ithape supported the proposal, emphasizing its alignment with public interest and the promise of no tax hike made by forest minister Ganesh Naik during election rallies and post-poll commitments.
Shiv Sena's Manoj Haldankar and Divya Gaikwad endorsed the policy of no tax hike. However, Kishore Patkar of Shiv Sena raised concerns about tax coordination, while the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's sole corporator, Abhijit Desai, demanded a discount for houses up to 500 square feet.
Opposition leader Vijay Chougule criticized the proposal and called for its postponement. In response, House leader Sagar Naik clarified, "The decision to fix the tax will be taken by the Standing Committee," highlighting the committee's authority in such matters.
