In a historic development for urban governance in Maharashtra, the Nashik region is poised to witness an unprecedented scenario where all five of its municipal corporations will be led by women mayors. This significant shift follows the reservation draw conducted by the state urban development department in Mumbai on Thursday, marking a new chapter in local politics.
Reservation Draw Finalizes Women Leadership Across Corporations
The draw, which took place under the supervision of minister Madhuri Misal, has established the mayoral reservation matrix for the upcoming two-and-a-half-year term. According to the outcome, three corporations—Nashik, Dhule, and Malegaon—will have mayors reserved for women from the general category. Meanwhile, the municipal corporations of Ahilyanagar and Jalgaon will see leadership from women belonging to the Other Backward Classes category.
BJP's Strategic Moves in Nashik Municipal Corporation
With the Bharatiya Janata Party securing a comfortable majority in the recently elected Nashik Municipal Corporation, political attention has turned to the selection of the mayoral candidate. The party is actively preparing to announce its nominee for this crucial position, with several prominent names under consideration.
Among the frontrunners being discussed are former standing committee chairperson Himgauri Adke-Aher, along with former corporators Deepali Kulkarni and Swati Bhamre. However, the final decision rests with cabinet minister and senior BJP politician Girish Mahajan, who is expected to make the official announcement within the coming days.
Return to Elected Governance After Administrative Rule
The civic administration in Nashik has been operating under an appointed administrator since March 2022, following the conclusion of the previous five-year term. Elections were finally conducted on January 15, 2026, in compliance with Supreme Court directives that mandated state election authorities to complete civic polls by January 31.
This return to elected governance after nearly three-and-a-half years of administrative rule has revitalized political activity throughout the city. The focus has particularly intensified around key leadership positions, including the mayor and standing committee chairperson, as political parties strategize for effective urban management.
BJP's Selection Criteria and Regional Considerations
Speaking to reporters, minister Girish Mahajan outlined the BJP's approach to selecting mayoral candidates. He emphasized that the party intends to choose experienced and capable individuals not only for Nashik but also for Jalgaon and Dhule, where BJP has secured majorities.
Mahajan particularly stressed the importance of selecting a strong administrator for Nashik, given the city's substantial size and the extensive preparations required for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. He assured that the party leadership will consult senior members before finalizing names, ensuring candidates who can effectively handle administrative responsibilities.
Intensified Lobbying and Political Maneuvering
Since the announcement of the reservation draw, lobbying activities have gained significant momentum. Several aspirants have met with minister Girish Mahajan during his visit to Nashik, presenting their cases for consideration.
Among those who engaged in discussions were Himgauri Adke-Aher, widely regarded as a leading contender for the mayoral post. Senior BJP politicians Sudhakar Badgujar, Suresh Patil, and Ganesh Gite also participated in these meetings. The conversations extend beyond the mayor's position to encompass other key roles within the corporation's leadership structure.
Potential for New Leadership Faces
BJP city president Sunil Kedar provided additional insights into the party's thinking, suggesting that BJP might be inclined to introduce a new face for the mayoral position. He highlighted that the party enjoys a clear majority in the corporation, with sixteen women corporators from the general category elected from BJP ranks.
According to Kedar, BJP traditionally encourages new talent and is likely to follow this approach in Nashik as well. He confirmed that the core committee will make the final decision, with the name expected to be announced within two days, bringing clarity to this significant political development.
