Shiv Sena Secures Opposition Role in Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation
The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena will serve as the main opposition party in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation. This follows the recent election results where the BJP secured a clear majority with 65 seats. The Shiv Sena won 42 seats, placing it in the opposition role.
Three Contenders Emerge for Leader of Opposition Post
Political observers identify three Shiv Sena corporators as strong contenders for the important Leader of Opposition position. The race features Vijay Chougule, Kishor Patkar, and Suresh Kulkarni.
Vijay Chougule played a crucial role in securing maximum seats for Sena candidates in Airoli. This area falls within BJP MLA Ganesh Naik's constituency. His efforts proved particularly effective in this challenging region.
Kishor Patkar serves as Sena's Belapur constituency district chief. He ensured victory for numerous candidates through careful coordination and extensive door-to-door campaigning. Patkar focused his campaign on addressing Navi Mumbai's civic amenity issues, promising concrete solutions to residents.
Suresh Kulkarni maintains close connections with Ganesh Naik. His relationship with the influential BJP MLA adds an interesting dimension to the leadership contest.
Mayoral Position Attracts Multiple Candidates
The Mayor's post in NMMC has drawn several potential candidates. If reserved for women, four strong contenders emerge.
- Vaishnavi Naik is the wife of Ganesh Naik's nephew, Vaibhav Naik.
- Netra Aashish Shirke previously served as NMMC standing committee chairperson.
- Saluja Sandeep Sutar is a former corporator and ex-standing committee member.
- Priti Sandeep Bhagat is married to the brother of BJP leader Dashrath Bhagat. Dashrath Bhagat was a former Leader of Opposition in NMMC before switching from Congress to BJP in 2019.
If the Mayor's post remains unreserved, Sagar Dnyaneshwar Naik becomes a strong contender. He previously served as NMMC Mayor between 2010 and 2015 and is Ganesh Naik's nephew.
Another potential candidate is Jaywant Sutar, a former Mayor and close confidant of Ganesh Naik. His recent election as a corporator places him firmly in the mayoral race.
Political Analyst Provides Insight
Senior political analyst BN Kumar shared his perspective on the upcoming elections. He stated that the mayoral election in NMMC will likely prove less challenging than Mumbai's BMC Mayor post contest.
"The real question centers on which member of the extended Naik family will assume the mayor's role," Kumar explained. "Will it be Sagar Naik with his previous mayoral experience, or the newly elected Vaishnavi Naik, wife of Vaibhav Tukaram Naik?"
Kumar highlighted an interesting development. "The more intense competition appears focused on the Leader of Opposition position. This contest likely represents a straight fight between two Shiv Sena corporators."
He identified the main competitors as Kishor Patkar, credited as a pioneer of redevelopment in Navi Mumbai, and Vijay Chougule, a resourceful businessman. Both maintain close links with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, adding significance to their contest.
