Nashik Municipal Corporation Welcomes New Leadership After Four-Year Administrator Phase
The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has formally transitioned from its nearly four-year administrator-run phase with the unopposed election of new leadership. In elections held on Friday under the supervision of Nashik district collector Ayush Prasad, who served as presiding officer, BJP's Himgauri Aher was elected mayor and Shiv Sena's Vilas Shinde became deputy mayor.
Himgauri Aher: A Legacy of Civic Leadership
Himgauri Aher, a 43-year-old MBA holder and second-term corporator, brings significant political pedigree to the mayoral position. She previously served as standing committee chairperson of the Nashik Municipal Corporation and comes from a family deeply involved in Nashik's civic affairs. Her father, Balasaheb Aher, was former standing committee chairman, while her mother, Shobha Aher, served as deputy mayor. Her cousin, Rahul Aher, represents Chandwad as BJP MLA.
After taking charge, Aher outlined her administration's priorities, emphasizing comprehensive city development and meticulous preparation for the 2027 Kumbh Mela. "Kumbh Mela will be a major administrative focus. All related work would be completed on time," she stated, reiterating her commitment to improving civic services and accelerating development projects across all wards.
Vilas Shinde: Experienced Corporator Takes Deputy Role
Vilas Shinde, 53, brings extensive municipal experience as a third-term corporator who previously served as group leader of the undivided Shiv Sena and former Nashik city chief of UBT. He joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena last year and had contested the 2024 state assembly elections, though unsuccessfully.
The deputy mayoral election saw four original candidates—BJP's Machhindra Sanap and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction)'s Vilas Shinde, Pravin Tidme, and Rahul Dive—with all but Shinde withdrawing their nominations, ensuring his unopposed election.
Political Consolidation and Electoral Dynamics
The mayoral election became uncontested when Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Seema Pawar, the only other nominee, withdrew her candidature. This political consolidation was further strengthened when the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) extended unconditional support to the BJP just one day before the elections.
This alliance solidifies the BJP-Shiv Sena strength in the 122-member House, where the BJP secured a commanding majority with 72 seats in the January 15 civic polls. The remaining seats are distributed among Shiv Sena (26), UBT (15), NCP (4), Congress (3), MNS (1), and one independent.
Cabinet minister Girish Mahajan praised the new mayor, describing Himgauri Aher as highly qualified and experienced. He noted that while the BJP contested the elections independently, they ensured Shiv Sena's inclusion by offering the deputy mayor's position, demonstrating collaborative governance.
The unopposed elections mark a significant milestone for Nashik's municipal governance, ending a prolonged period of administrative rule and restoring elected representation to guide the city's development trajectory, particularly with the approaching 2027 Kumbh Mela.
