Sena’s Chemburkar emerges as front-runner for Mayor’s post

Mumbai – Though the Shiv Sena and the BJP have been staking claims to form their rule in the BMC, it is not yet clear who prove true. Shiv Sena has staked the claim on Mayor’s position and among Sena corporators the name of Ashish Chemburkar is doing round as the front-runner for the post. As per sources, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray has okayed the name of Chemburkar for this prestigious post.

The leaders of both these parties are trying their best to grab power in the BMC. The Sena has the strength of 88 corporators including four independents while the number of corporators favouring the BJP has reached 84 by adding two independent corporators including Geeta Gawli of the ABS. Though the Sena has emerged as the largest party in the BMC, the BJP’s stand on getting support from others is being keenly watched.

The nominations for Mayoral election would be accepted till 6 pm on Saturday. From Shiv Sena, the names of Mangesh Satamkar, Ashish Chemburkar, Ramesh Korgaonkar, Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, Vishakha Raut, Shubhada Gudekar, Kishori Pednekar etc were making rounds in the political circles here. But the party bosses have reportedly favoured the candidature of Ashish Chemburkar for the post. Chemburkar is a vibhag pramukh and he has succeeded in getting 13 corporators elected from his ward. By making Chemburkar mayor, Sena has decided to offer this coveted post to the person from Worli-Lower Parel region.

Meanwhile, Congress party has decided to field its own candidate in the mayoral poll. Earlier, it was rumoured that Congress may extend support to the Sena in getting its candidate elected as the mayor. Congress party has fielded Vitthal Lokre as its mayoral candidate. The NCP will extend its support to the Congress candidate. NCP city president Sachin Ahir has said that city Congress president Sanjay Nirupam is in his contact on this election.

As an unexpected move, Raj Thackeray-led MNS is also likely to field its candidate in the mayoral election. Senior MNS corporator Dilip Lande has taken a nomination form for mayor’s election. Senior party leader Nitin Sardesai has also said that political parties in the race should not take the MNS for granted. He also made it clear that his party would favour a Marathi candidate for the post of Mumbai Mayor.