Political activity within the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is set to intensify on Tuesday as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which commands a clear majority, is expected to formally register its ruling group with the divisional commissioner. The move will pave the way for the election of the ruling party leader and the Standing Committee chairman, both considered crucial positions in the civic body.
According to sources, all 102 BJP corporators elected to the NMC are likely to register as a separate group on January 27. Once the registration process is completed, the party will be officially recognised as the ruling group in the municipal corporation.
With Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari scheduled to visit Nagpur on Tuesday, discussions are expected to gain momentum to finalise key civic posts. Apart from the mayor’s position, appointments to the posts of ruling party leader, Standing Committee chairman and Transport Committee chairman are expected to be deliberated.
The ruling party leader plays a pivotal role in the functioning of the municipal corporation, overseeing House proceedings and guiding corporators, making experience a key consideration for the post. Names doing the rounds for senior responsibilities include Sanjay Balpande, Virendra Kukreja, Dilip Dive, Pradeep Pohane, Balya Borkar, Jitendra Kukde, Vijay Jhalke and Divya Dhurde.
As the mayor’s post is reserved for a woman from the general category, there is strong speculation that a male corporator may be considered for the post of deputy mayor. Caste representation is also expected to influence the allocation of major positions. Sources indicate that if a woman mayor is elected from the Kunbi community, the Standing Committee chairman or ruling party leader’s post may go to a corporator from the Teli community.
Meanwhile, lobbying has already begun for the Transport Committee chairman’s post, which is regarded as significant due to the committee’s independent budget and influence. Several former office-bearers are reportedly keen on securing the position, though clarity on appointments is expected only after Tuesday.
The NMC has a total of 13 committees, including the Standing Committee. Other important panels include transport, weaker sections, construction and projects (special), medical services and health, taxation and tax collection, education, water supply, fire and electricity, women and child welfare, slum eradication and housing, sports, and legal committees.
The mayoral election is scheduled for the first week of February, and the ruling party leader is expected to be elected before that, setting the stage for the new civic leadership in the city.
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