shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai News > Article > BMC Election 4 year old Mumbai schoolgirl seals candidates fate

BMC Election: 4-year-old Mumbai schoolgirl seals candidates' fate

Updated on: 24 February,2017 03:00 PM IST  | 
Gaurav Sarkar |

Yashika Salunkhe, a four-year-old student of St Joseph School in Agripada, was picked by election authorities to decide the fate of two candidates, who had tied in ward 220

BMC Election: 4-year-old Mumbai schoolgirl seals candidates' fate

Winner Atul Shah (BJP) with his Lady Luck, Yashika Salunke. Pics/Suresh Karkera
Winner Atul Shah (BJP) with his Lady Luck, Yashika Salunke. Pics/Suresh Karkera


Tiny Yashika Salunkhe has no idea of the power she wielded last evening. The four-year-old student of St Joseph School in Agripada was picked by election authorities to decide the fate of two candidates who had tied in ward 220.


Sena candidate Surendra Bagalkar
Sena candidate Surendra Bagalkar


After three consecutive ties between Shiv Sena candidate Surendra Bagalkar and BJP's Atul Shah in the ward (comprising Girgaon and Khotwadi), it was decided that the winner would be declared via lucky draw, and that Yashika would be the chosen one to seal their fates.

The winning chit revealed Shah's name.

"She was playing in the vicinity (the counting centre was the Gilder Road municipal school at Grant Road) and she was the only child around at the time," said her mother, Tejaswi Salunkhe. "She did not know what she was being called for. She thought it was a fun game when she had to pick one of the two chits."

Yashika's grandfather, Ramesh Maruti Panaswarikar, is the caretaker of the school where the votes were counted.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK