Shiv Sena’s Sharmila Rohit Pimpolkar has been nominated as the mayoral candidate, while the BJP has fielded Krishna Patil for the post of deputy mayor. With the ruling alliance commanding a comfortable majority in the 131-member civic body, the election of both candidates is considered almost certain.
Although the BJP had initially staked claim to the mayor’s post, it later withdrew its demand and agreed to back the Shiv Sena nominee as part of the alliance arrangement.
In the recently held civic elections, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) emerged as the single largest party with 75 corporators, while the BJP secured 28 seats, giving the alliance a decisive edge.
The election for the posts of mayor and deputy mayor is scheduled to be held on February 3, following the completion of the nomination process.
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