Kalyan-Dombivli Civic Leadership Restored After Six-Year Administrative Rule
In a significant political development for the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), the prolonged period of administrative rule has finally come to an end with the unopposed election of new civic leadership. The restoration of elected representatives marks a crucial milestone for the municipal body, which had been operating under administrative control since 2020.
New Leadership Takes Charge
Shiv Sena's Harshali Vijay Chaudhari has been declared elected unopposed as the Mayor of KDMC, while Rahul Vasant Damle has been elected unopposed as the Deputy Mayor. Both leaders will serve a substantial term of two and a half years, bringing stability to the civic administration.
The election process for these key positions was completed during a special general body meeting held at the municipal headquarters. The proceedings were conducted under the chairmanship of Presiding Officer Anchal Goel, who serves as the Mumbai City District Collector.
End of Administrative Era
With these elections, the six-year-long administrative rule in Kalyan-Dombivli has officially concluded. The civic body had been under administrative control since 2020, following the expiration of elected representatives' terms during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic period.
This restoration of elected leadership represents a significant political achievement for KDMC. Historically, the corporation experienced its longest administrative rule between 1983 and 1995, which lasted nearly twelve years after its initial formation.
Political Drama Unfolds
The special general body meeting was not without its share of political theater and controversy. Three corporators from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction, out of eleven elected members, remained conspicuously absent during the proceedings.
Verbal exchanges erupted inside the civic hall, particularly between corporators belonging to the Shiv Sena factions led by Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray. Shiv Sena (Shinde) corporators Sachin Pote and Nilesh Shinde directed sarcastic remarks at Thackeray group leader Umesh Borgavkar, comparing a "cricket team" turning into a "kabaddi team," which drew laughter from members present.
Meanwhile, in a positive development, two of the four corporators from the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction who had previously gone missing have returned. Among them, corporator Kirti Dhone was present at the meeting, though three members remained absent from the special session.
Leadership Commitments and Political Support
Addressing the gathering after her election, Mayor Harshali Chaudhari made a firm commitment to uphold the trust placed in her by citizens. Emphasizing the need for collective cooperation, she assured that she would fulfill her responsibilities with utmost sincerity and ensure that public works are carried out efficiently and effectively.
Deputy Mayor Rahul Damle echoed similar sentiments, stating that through collaborative efforts and maintained coordination, Kalyan-Dombivli could be propelled forward on the path of comprehensive development and progress.
Welcoming the newly elected Mayor, Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Shrikant Shinde highlighted the significance of women's representation in civic leadership. He noted that in recognition of the overwhelming support extended by women voters under the "Ladli Behna" initiative, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had ensured that women were given the opportunity to occupy the important Mayor's post in civic bodies across Thane district, including Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, and Ulhasnagar, even in the absence of formal reservation for the position.
Shinde further emphasized that the government would continue to introduce more welfare-oriented initiatives for women in the coming days, reinforcing its commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment in civic governance.
