Chandrapur Municipal Corporation Set for Crucial Mayoral Election
The Chandrapur Municipal Corporation (CMC) is preparing for a significant political event on Tuesday as it elects its mayor and deputy mayor, potentially concluding nearly four years of administrator governance. This election marks a pivotal moment for local governance in the region, with both Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) asserting they can achieve the crucial figure of 34 seats required to establish the ruling body, creating an intensely competitive political atmosphere.
Background of Administrative Rule and Fractured Mandate
The corporation has been operating under administrative rule since April 29, 2022, following the expiration of the previous council's term. Last month's civic elections resulted in a fractured mandate, with Congress emerging as the single largest party by securing 27 seats in the 66-member corporation. The mayor's position has once again been reserved for women, adding another layer of significance to this election.
A special meeting has been scheduled at Rani Hirai Hall where the voting will take place, bringing together all elected representatives for this crucial democratic process.
Congress's Confidence and Alliance Strategy
Congress legislature party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, speaking from Nagpur on Monday, expressed strong confidence that his party would secure the top post with support from key allies including Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Jansurajya Party. Congress leaders indicated that ongoing negotiations have been positive, with a formula for sharing posts with partners being finalized.
Party sources revealed that with three Jansurajya corporators and additional backing from AIMIM and BSP, Congress has already crossed the 30-seat mark and requires only minimal additional support to secure control. Discussions with Shiv Sena (UBT)'s 10-member group and two Independents have been described as particularly encouraging, suggesting potential coalition building.
BJP's Counterclaim and Confidence
Meanwhile, BJP has mounted a strong counterclaim through senior leader and MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar, who stated the party has completed negotiations with smaller political outfits and is confident its nominee, Sangita Khandekar, will be elected mayor. Mungantiwar asserted that BJP has reached the required majority and expects a seamless election process, indicating their belief in having secured sufficient support.
Party Strength and Group Formations
The political landscape reveals interesting dynamics in party strength and group formations:
- Congress leads with 27 corporators, followed by BJP with 23 seats
- Shiv Sena (UBT) holds 6 seats, while Bharatiya Shetkari Kamgar Party has 3
- Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi possesses 2 seats, with 2 Independents
- Shiv Sena, BSP and AIMIM each have one corporator
Congress has registered a 27-member group, while BJP has formed a 24-member bloc with support from one Shiv Sena (Shinde) corporator. Shiv Sena (UBT) and Vanchit have combined to create an eight-member group, and BSKP with AIMIM has registered a four-member formation. A BSP corporator and two Independents remain separate entities, though both Independents have pledged support to the Sena (UBT) group.
Decisive Role of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Final Negotiations
Political observers note that Shiv Sena (UBT)'s final position could prove decisive in determining which party forms the ruling body. With only hours remaining before voting commences, intense negotiations continue behind the scenes as both major parties seek to secure the necessary majority.
Ten nominations have been filed for the mayor's post and six for deputy mayor, reflecting the competitive nature of this election. BJP has fielded Sangita Rajendra Khandekar and Sarika Sachin Sandurkar, while Congress candidates include Sangita Bhoyar, Sangita Amrutkar, Sunanda Dhobe and Vaishali Mahadule. Mansavi Sandeep Girhe represents Shiv Sena (UBT) in the contest.
The election represents not just a political contest but a restoration of democratic governance to Chandrapur Municipal Corporation after an extended period of administrative rule, making Tuesday's proceedings particularly significant for the city's political future and local administration.
