In a significant political development, new mayors were elected on Tuesday in three key municipal corporations within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), marking the return of elected representatives after a prolonged period of administrator rule. The corporations of Kalyan-Dombivli, Thane, and Mira-Bhayandar saw leadership changes, with the Shiv Sena and BJP sharing power through uncontested elections in most cases.
Thane Municipal Corporation Sees Smooth Transition
The Thane Municipal Corporation, which had been managed by an appointed officer for the past four years, witnessed a seamless election process. Shiv Sena corporator Sharmila Pimpalkar was elected as the Mayor, while BJP's Krishna Patil secured the position of Deputy Mayor. Both candidates were elected without any contest during a special meeting held at the civic auditorium, overseen by district collector Dr Shrikrishnanath Panchal.
This election signifies a crucial shift from administrator-led governance to democratically elected leadership. The Shiv Sena and BJP have agreed to a power-sharing arrangement for the Mayor's post, with each party set to hold the position for a term of 15 months, ensuring a balanced representation in the civic body.
Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation's Unopposed Elections
In the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, Advocate Harshali Thawil-Chaudhary, representing the Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, was elected as the Mayor. BJP's Rahul Damle was chosen as the Deputy Mayor, with both positions filled unopposed as no other candidates filed nominations. The decision was formalized at a special meeting chaired by district collector Anchal Goyal.
The corporation had been under administrator's rule since 2020, following the expiration of the previously elected House's tenure. Elections were delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, adding to the anticipation for this change. The meeting, however, was not without controversy, as heated arguments erupted between ruling party members and the Opposition.
Shiv Sena councillor Sachin Pote made remarks against the Shiv Sena (UBT), leading to shouting and protests inside the House. Despite the tensions, the proceedings continued, and members later observed a moment of silence in memory of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who tragically died in a plane crash last week.
Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation Amid Protests
The Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation election saw BJP corporator Dimple Mehta elected as Mayor with 79 votes, while BJP's Dhruvkishor Patil was elected Deputy Mayor with the same number of votes. Congress candidate Rubina Sheikh received 16 votes in the contest.
This election was conducted amid protests outside the municipal corporation building, where groups including the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena opposed Mehta's election. They argued that the city should have a Marathi-speaking Mayor, highlighting linguistic and regional sentiments in the political landscape.
Despite these protests, voting proceeded as scheduled. In response to the objections, BJP MLA Pratap Sarnaik noted that similar concerns were not raised in the past when non-Marathi leaders were elected in the region. He emphasized that the focus should remain on civic works and development, rather than divisive issues.
The election of new mayors in these three corporations marks a pivotal moment in local governance, ending years of administrator rule and reinstating elected leadership. It reflects the ongoing political dynamics in Maharashtra, with alliances and protests shaping the civic landscape. As these new leaders take charge, attention will now turn to their ability to address local issues and drive progress in their respective municipalities.
