BJP's Machhindra Sanap Emerges as Top Contender for Nashik Standing Committee Chairperson Post
In a significant political development in Nashik, two-time BJP corporator Machhindra Sanap has become a leading contender for the prestigious position of chairperson of the Nashik Municipal Corporation's standing committee. This follows his recent withdrawal from the deputy mayor's race on February 10, which he did in compliance with instructions from senior party functionaries.
Multiple Candidates in the Fray for the Key Post
Alongside Sanap, two other BJP members, Madhuri Bolkar and Deepali Kulkarni, are also actively in the race for the standing committee chairperson's post. However, the final decision is anticipated to be taken by a high-level group including state cabinet minister Girish Mahajan, the state BJP leadership, and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, underscoring the importance of this appointment.
BJP Commands Clear Majority in the Standing Committee
The BJP enjoys a decisive majority in the 16-member standing committee of the Nashik Municipal Corporation, holding nine out of the sixteen seats. This strong position significantly enhances the party's ability to influence the election outcome. The committee was formally constituted on February 16, after which the NMC town secretary wrote to Nashik divisional commissioner Praveen Gedam, requesting the announcement of the election schedule for the chairperson's position.
According to an official from the town secretary department, the electoral process is expected to commence within the next two to three days, marking a swift progression in the administrative timeline.
Background: Sanap's Withdrawal from Deputy Mayor Race
During the recent deputy mayoral election, the BJP initially nominated Machhindra Sanap as their candidate, while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena finalized Vilas Shinde for the position. In a last-minute strategic move, the BJP leadership decided to allocate the deputy mayor's post to the Shiv Sena, leading Sanap to withdraw his nomination as instructed by the party.
Consequently, Vilas Shinde was elected as the deputy mayor, and Himgauri Aher of the BJP was chosen unopposed for the mayor's post. Following these elections, state cabinet minister Girish Mahajan publicly praised Sanap for his prompt compliance with the party's directives, noting that the leadership would consider his name for future opportunities.
This public endorsement has substantially strengthened Sanap's political standing, positioning him as one of the top contenders for the standing committee chairperson's role, a key position in municipal governance.
Composition of the Nashik Municipal Corporation Standing Committee
The standing committee's nine members from the BJP include:
- Machhindra Sanap
- Madhuri Bolkar
- Deepali Kulkarni
- Nitin Nigal
- Pallavi Ganore
- Indubai Khetade
- Aditi Pande
- Sarita Sonawane
- Jayashree Gaikwad
The opposition comprises:
- Shiv Sena–MNS group: Four members (Mayuri Pawar, Kiran Gamane, Rahul Dive, and Ranjana Borade)
- Shiv Sena (UBT)–Congress group: Two members (Bharti Tajanpure and Yogesh Gadekar)
- NCP–Independent group: One representative (Mukesh Shahane)
This political landscape sets the stage for a closely watched election, with the BJP's internal decision-making process being crucial in determining the next chairperson of the standing committee, a role vital for overseeing municipal affairs and development projects in Nashik.
