Nashik Division Gears Up for Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral Elections
The Nashik division is preparing for significant civic leadership elections, with the polls for mayor and deputy mayor positions in four major municipal corporations scheduled for February 6. The elections will cover the civic bodies of Nashik, Dhule, Jalgaon, and Ahilyanagar, marking a crucial step in local governance for the region.
Election Schedule and Official Announcements
Nashik divisional commissioner Praveen Gedam has officially announced the election dates, confirming that all proceedings will commence at 11am in the meeting halls or headquarters of the respective municipal corporations. In a notable detail, the Malegaon Municipal Corporation will conduct its mayoral and deputy mayoral polls a day later, on February 7, ensuring a staggered approach to the electoral process.
Collectors have been appointed as presiding officers for these elections, with Ayush Prasad, the collector for Nashik, serving in this role for the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) on behalf of the divisional commissioner. This move aims to uphold transparency and efficiency in the electoral proceedings across the division.
BJP's Dominance and Preparations in Nashik
Following the recent NMC elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a decisive majority, winning 72 out of 122 seats. This strong position is expected to facilitate a smooth contest for the mayor and deputy mayor roles, as the party holds a comfortable numerical advantage.
In preparation for the upcoming polls, BJP has taken strategic steps to strengthen its internal coordination. The party has appointed Shyam Badode, a two-term corporator, as its group leader in NMC. Additionally, BJP is in the process of formally registering its corporator group with the divisional commissioner's office, a requirement that is anticipated to be completed in the coming days.
Candidate Selection and Party Dynamics
With its majority firmly in place, BJP is now focused on finalizing its candidates for the mayoral position. According to a party insider, the selection will not be made by the city unit but by BJP's state core committee, which will decide the nominees for both mayor and deputy mayor. Several contenders are under consideration, and the final decision is expected after thorough internal deliberations.
Party leaders have indicated that discussions on shortlisted candidates are progressing, with an emphasis on qualities such as administrative experience, organisational capability, and efficiency in civic coordination. This careful approach reflects the party's commitment to selecting competent leaders who can effectively manage civic responsibilities.
Broader Political Context and Future Implications
In the recent NMC elections, BJP contested independently, while its Mahayuti allies — Shiv Sena and NCP — fought together. Their combined panel secured 30 seats, with Sena winning 26 and NCP taking four. This dynamic underscores the political landscape in the region, with BJP's independent success highlighting its strong local support.
Looking ahead, the importance of Nashik's mayoral role has been underscored by party leaders, particularly in light of preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2027. This major event will demand robust administrative planning and execution, making the selection of an experienced mayor critical for effective governance.
Last week, BJP's Girish Mahajan emphasized the party's intention to appoint experienced and competent individuals as mayors in Nashik and Dhule, where it holds clear majorities. He highlighted that the leadership will consult senior members before finalizing candidates, ensuring that those selected can adeptly manage Nashik's civic duties and upcoming challenges.
As the election dates approach, all eyes are on the Nashik division, with these polls set to shape the future of local administration and governance in the region.
