Nine BJP corporators in Bhiwandi-Nizampur broke away to form the BSF and backed the Congress-led alliance, giving it the numbers to likely elect the mayor and deputy mayor. The move highlights political shifts after last month’s fractured municipal election
-1771421037508_d.png "Congress gains majority in Bhiwandi after nine BJP corporators switch sides")
Biwandi Secular Front members. Pic/X (@rais_shk)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suffered a setback ahead of the mayoral elections in the Bhiwandi-Nizampur municipal corporation. Nine of its 22 corporators broke away to form a separate group, the Bhiwandi Secular Front (BSF), and extended their support to the Congress-led alliance. This move paves the way for the Congress to elect its own mayor.
Congress-NCP-SP alliance gains strength
With the support of the BSF, the Congress-NCP-Samajwadi Party (SP) alliance has crossed the halfway mark in the 90-member body. A Congress functionary said on Wednesday, “The nine corporators have decided to support us.”
The development comes amid differences between the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the functionary added. Notably, the Samajwadi Party had previously supported Shiv Sena.
In the municipal elections held last month, the Congress emerged as the single largest party, securing 30 seats. The BJP won 22 seats, Shiv Sena 12, NCP-SP 12, Samajwadi Party 6, Konark Vikas Aghadi 4, and Bhiwandi Vikas Aghadi 3. One independent candidate also won a seat.
Thanks to the support of the breakaway corporators, the Congress-NCP-SP alliance now has the numbers to comfortably install its mayor and deputy mayor.
Fractured verdict and political shifts
The elections had produced a fractured verdict, with no party having a clear majority. The recent realignment highlights growing political shifts within the BJP and Shiv Sena in the region.
“The political landscape in Bhiwandi-Nizampur is changing fast,” said a local Congress leader. “This support ensures stability and allows us to move forward with our plans for the city.”
Arrested former Mayor Vilas Patil was allowed to file nomination for BNMC elections
A Thane court on Monday allowed arrested corporator Vilas Raghunath Patil for alleged involvement in a 2025 financial fraud case to be escorted by police to file his nomination papers for the upcoming mayoral elections of the Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation (BNMC). According to a BNMC release, nine candidates, including Patil, filed nominations for the post of mayor, while six candidates filed for deputy mayor which were scheduled on February 20.
The court imposed conditions that Patil should not interact with anyone outside the EOW premises, cannot use any phone or communication device, cannot address or engage with the media and must bear police escort expenses and return immediately after filing.
“The right to contest elections is the constitutional right of every person which cannot be denied,” the court observed.
(With PTI Inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
