The backing of the Shiv Sena (UBT) group proved decisive for BJP in a House with finely balanced numbers. The mayoral poll saw hectic political negotiations and last-minute realignments, with every single vote proving critical
According to the party-wise strength in the civic body, the BJP has 23 corporators. Representational pic
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Corporator Sangeeta Khandekar was elected as the mayor of Chandrapur by a narrow margin of one vote on Tuesday, with crucial support from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), in a closely contested civic election.
The backing of the Shiv Sena (UBT) group proved decisive for BJP in a House with finely balanced numbers. The mayoral poll saw hectic political negotiations and last-minute realignments, with every single vote proving critical.
In contrast, the election for the deputy mayor’s post ended in a tie. Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Prashant Danav was declared elected after a draw of lots, as both the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) candidates secured 32 votes each, making it impossible to determine a winner through voting.
According to the party-wise strength in the civic body, the BJP has 23 corporators, Shiv Sena (UBT) has six members, along with two Independents, and one Shiv Sena (Shinde) member. A total of 35 votes were required to secure a majority. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) remained neutral during the election process.
Congress cries foul as alliances and internal rifts shape Chandrapur result
Political observers noted that internal factionalism within the Congress, coupled with UBT’s strategic support to the BJP in the mayoral election, tilted the outcome in favour of the BJP in Chandrapur’s civic politics. According to sources, Khandekar edged out her nearest rival by a single vote to clinch the mayor’s post with UBT’s backing.
Meanwhile, the Congress alleged horse-trading and criticised the role of Shiv Sena (UBT), AIMIM, and the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) in the election.
“In the Chandrapur mayoral election, the BJP secured 32 votes and Congress 31. The Sena (UBT) is an ally in the MVA and the INDIA bloc. With its six corporators, the Sena (UBT) was expected to support the Congress. But the party chose to go with the BJP. This development will have consequences in the state,” a Congress leader told reporters.
Reacting to the election of the BJP Mayor, state Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal said the BJP gained the upper hand due to support from AIMIM, while the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi remained absent during the voting.
The outcome surprised political circles in Maharashtra, as the Congress was initially seen as better placed to install its mayor following the fractured verdict in the January 15 civic polls. Till Monday, there was no clarity on alliances in the Chandrapur civic body.
(With ANI and PTI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
