Political activity has intensified over the BMC mayor post following the municipal election results. Parties are closely watching the reservation lottery, which will decide the category of the mayor. Amid speculation, discussions around a two-and-a-half-year power-sharing formula between alliance partners have gained momentum.
BJP–Shiv Sena Tussle Intensifies Ahead of BMC Mayor Selection
Mumbai: With the BMC election results out, politics has heated up regarding the mayoral position in Mumbai and other municipal corporations across Maharashtra. Both the ruling camp and the opposition are now focused on the mayoral selection process. According to sources, the Maharashtra Urban Development Department (UD Department) will conduct a reservation lottery for the mayoral elections for the BMC and other municipalities, which is likely to be held on Tuesday or Wednesday next week.
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The reservation lottery will determine which category- General, OBC, SC, ST, or woman- the mayor will be selected from in the respective municipal corporation. For example, if the lottery is drawn for the General category in Mumbai, the elected councilor from that category will be elected mayor. The same rule will apply to other municipal corporations in the state.
Leaders of ruling parties are currently making cautious statements regarding the mayor position. After the victory, the Mumbai president of the Bharatiya Janata Party stated that the mayor will be from the Mahayuti. Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Nitesh Rane reiterated that the Mumbai mayor will be a Hindu-Marathi. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) is also staking a strong claim to the mayoral position.
Discussion of the two-and-a-half-year formula is gaining momentum in political circles. Reports suggest that the Shiv Sena wants the BJP to share the mayor position on a two-and-a-half-year basis. In this context, an important meeting of 29 Sena corporators was held at the Taj Lands End Hotel in Bandra. Leaders from the Shinde faction also believe they should receive the mayoral position for two and a half years, although no official confirmation has been made.
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According to sources, after winning 89 seats in Mumbai, the BJP is preparing to elect a mayor. Strategic deliberations are underway within the party, and all eyes are on the reservation lottery. Meanwhile, ministers and leaders from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) are also working to strengthen their claim.
The opposition has raised questions about the delay in the reservation lottery. Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) leader Kishori Pednekar said that the BMC has had reservations for women in the open category for the past two terms, and this process is completed before the elections. Former Mayor Vishakha Raut also said that reservations are usually announced before the elections, but why the delay this time? The government should clarify.
