Shiv Sena and BJP Introduce Rotational Mayor System in Multiple Municipal Corporations
In a significant political development across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have jointly decided to implement a rotational system for the positions of mayor and deputy mayor in several key municipal corporations. This strategic move aims to accommodate multiple aspirants within the alliance and ensure equitable distribution of power during the five-year term.
Thane Municipal Corporation: 15-Month Tenure for Mayor and Deputy Mayor
In the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the two parties have agreed to restrict the tenures of both the mayor and the deputy mayor to just 15 months each. This arrangement will result in Thane witnessing four different mayors and four different deputy mayors over the course of the full five-year term, according to reliable sources. The mayoral elections are scheduled to be held on February 3, marking the beginning of this new rotational system.
The mayor's post in Thane has been specifically reserved for the scheduled caste category. The Shiv Sena has nominated Sharmila Pimplolkar, a two-time corporator representing the Kopri ward, for the prestigious mayoral position. On the other hand, the BJP has fielded Krishna Patil, a three-term corporator, as its nominee for the deputy mayor's role. In the 131-member civic body, the Shiv Sena holds a commanding 75 seats and also enjoys the support of one Independent corporator, while the BJP has 28 seats, making this alliance crucial for governance.
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation: 2.5-Year Rotation Planned
A similar rotational arrangement has been meticulously planned for the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation as well. Here, the BJP is the single largest party with an impressive 65 seats, and it has decided to replace its mayor and deputy mayor after a tenure of 2.5 years. The Shiv Sena serves as the main opposition party in Navi Mumbai, holding 42 seats. In a notable development, former mayor Sagar Naik, who is also the nephew of forest minister Ganesh Naik, has been elected as the BJP group leader. However, the Shiv Sena is yet to nominate its leader of the opposition, adding an element of anticipation to the political landscape.
Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation: Joint Nominations Filed
Meanwhile, in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, speculation that the Shiv Sena was attempting to sideline its civic poll ally, the BJP, in the mayoral race has been decisively put to rest. The two parties have jointly filed their nominations, demonstrating a united front. The Shiv Sena has nominated Harshali Chaudhari, a two-time corporator, for the mayor's post, while the BJP has put forward Rahul Damle, a former deputy mayor, for the deputy mayor's position.
The days following the polls were marked by high drama, as four corporators from Shiv Sena (UBT) could not be traced but were reportedly in contact with Shiv Sena leaders. Additionally, five corporators from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) extended their support to the Shiv Sena, further complicating the political dynamics and highlighting the intense negotiations behind the scenes.
Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation: Multiple Candidates in the Fray
In the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC), the Bahujan Vikas Aaghadi emerged as the largest party with 70 seats. This party has fielded an impressive three candidates for the mayor's post and two candidates for the deputy mayor's position. One of the prominent aspirants is Ajiv Yashwant Patil, whose brother Rajeev Patil served as the first mayor of VVCMC back in 2010, adding a familial legacy to the contest.
The BJP, which holds 43 corporators in VVCMC, has also entered the fray by fielding one candidate for each of the two posts. This sets the stage for a competitive and closely watched election, with multiple parties vying for control and influence in the municipal corporation.
Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation: Alliance vs Alliance Contest
In the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation, the BJP has nominated former mayor Dimple Vinod Mehta for the mayoral post and Dhruvkishor Patil as its deputy mayor candidate. In response, the Congress and Shiv Sena have come together to form the Mira-Bhayander Vikas Aaghadi and have jointly filed their nominations for the two key positions.
Their candidates are Rubina Shaikh from the Congress for the mayor's role and Vandana Patil from the Shiv Sena for the deputy mayor's position. This alliance versus alliance contest underscores the strategic partnerships and political maneuvering that characterize municipal elections in the region, with each party seeking to maximize its influence and secure vital administrative roles.
The implementation of these rotational systems and the filing of joint nominations reflect a broader trend of political accommodation and alliance management in Maharashtra's municipal politics. As these corporations prepare for their mayoral elections, the outcomes will not only shape local governance but also have significant implications for the political equations between major parties in the state.
