Former Mumbai mayor and Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Kishori Pednekar becomes first woman Leader of Opposition in BMC

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and LOP Kishori Pednekar (centre). PIC/ ASHISH RAJE

Former Mumbai mayor and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Kishori Pednekar on Monday became the first woman to hold the post of Leader of Opposition (LOP) in BMC's 227-member general body.

The post of LOP was first created in 1999 following the reversal of the "Mayor-in-Council" system.

IN PHOTOS: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar takes charge as first woman LoP in BMC

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According to information from BMC: "The Mayor-in-Council system was done away with, and the old setup of the Municipal Corporation was revived (vide Maharashtra Act XXVII of 1999). Accordingly, the Mayoral election was held on 29th April 1999. This led to the introduction of the offices of the Deputy Mayor and Leader of Opposition (vide Maharashtra Act No. XXVII of 1999)."

Since then, Mumbai has only had male corporators as leaders of the opposition, including Gunwant Sheth, Rajhans Singh, Gyanraj Nikam, Devendra Amberkar, Praveen Chheda, and Ravi Raja.

Pednekar was announced as the LOP by Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde.

Shiv Sena (UBT), with 65 elected representatives, is the largest opposition party in BMC.