Pune Civic Polls: Aspirants Seek Back-Door Entry as Nominated Corporators
Political aspirants who failed to secure tickets for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections are now exploring alternative routes to enter the civic body. These individuals are vying for positions as co-opted members, offering them a back-door entry into the house.
Distribution of Nominated Seats
The PMC general body consists of 165 corporators. Among these, 13 members will receive nominations. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with its stronghold of 119 corporators, holds the power to co-opt 10 members. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) can nominate two individuals, while the Congress party can induct one member.
Ganesh Bidkar, a newly elected BJP corporator and former leader of the house, shared insights into the party's approach. "We will discuss the details about the co-ops in the coming days. The core team will take a final call soon," he stated. The BJP previously decided against giving nominations to relatives of current MLAs and MPs. This policy might extend to co-opted members as well.
Process and Limitations
PMC officials indicated that a lottery system to select the mayor will occur within one week. Once the mayor is finalized, he or she will convene a general body meeting. Following this, the appointment of nominated members will proceed based on the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act.
The Act imposes specific restrictions on nominated corporators. A nominated councillor shall not have the right to vote at any meeting of the corporation and committees of the corporation. Additionally, they cannot get elected as mayor of the corporation or as chairperson of any committee.
Despite these limitations, officials clarified that the 13 nominated members can actively participate in discussions. They can raise suggestions and voice objections to proposals during meetings.
Party Perspectives and Broader Context
Pradeep Deshmukh, executive president of NCP, highlighted their party's process. "A decision on the co-opted members will be taken by party chief Ajit Pawar. A meeting will be held soon. We are currently preparing for the zilla parishad polls and selection of candidates for them," he explained.
PMC officials also noted that co-opted corporators are nominated at the general body level. Simultaneously, members receive nominations at the ward level, reflecting a multi-tiered approach to civic governance.
This development underscores the ongoing political maneuvering in Pune's municipal landscape. Aspirants continue to seek influence and representation, even through non-elected avenues, shaping the dynamics of local governance.
