Ravi Landge Elected Unopposed as Pimpri-Chinchwad Mayor, Sharmila Babar as Deputy
In a significant political development, Bharatiya Janata Party corporator Ravi Landge was elected unopposed as the 27th Mayor of Pimpri-Chinchwad on Friday. Simultaneously, fellow BJP member Sharmila Babar secured the position of Deputy Mayor without facing any opposition, marking a decisive moment for the industrial city's municipal leadership.
Uncontested Elections and Political Dynamics
Landge emerged as the sole nominee for the mayoral post, ensuring his automatic election. For the deputy mayor position, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation received two nominations initially: one from Sharmila Babar of the BJP and another from Vaishali Kalbhor of the Nationalist Congress Party. However, during Friday's crucial meeting, Kalbhor withdrew her nomination, paving the way for Babar's uncontested victory.
This election continues a notable trend for Ravi Landge, who has now been elected as a corporator from the Bhosari area for the second consecutive time, both occasions being unopposed. Historically, Landge holds the distinction of being the first corporator in Maharashtra to achieve this feat, a pattern subsequently followed by over 65 corporators across various municipal corporations in the state.
Opposition Concerns and Development Focus
The phenomenon of unopposed elections has sparked considerable controversy and protests from opposition parties. These groups have alleged that most uncontested corporators belong to the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena coalition, accusing them of employing money and muscle power to discourage electoral competition and stifle democratic processes.
Following his election, Mayor Ravi Landge outlined his vision for Pimpri-Chinchwad, emphasizing his commitment to comprehensive urban development. "I will work for the all-round development of Pimpri-Chinchwad while taking everyone into confidence," Landge declared. He further stressed his focus on maintaining the city's trajectory on a fast track of development, building upon its industrial and infrastructural foundations.
Tribute to Ajit Pawar and Memorial Plans
The election meeting was conducted with solemnity as the House observed a two-minute silence in memory of former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, who tragically died in a plane crash the previous week. Pawar was widely recognized as the architect of Pimpri-Chinchwad's development over the past two decades during the NCP's tenure in power.
In a gesture of respect, BJP corporator Prashant Shitole announced that the PCMC would establish a grand memorial in honour of Ajit Pawar, following a suggestion from MLA Mahesh Landge. Shitole reiterated the BJP's approach of collaborative governance, stating, "The BJP will work while taking everyone into confidence."
Meeting Attendance and Subdued Atmosphere
The election gathering witnessed robust participation, with most of the 128 newly elected corporators in attendance. Supporters of both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor congregated at the PCMC headquarters, though the atmosphere remained notably subdued compared to previous occasions. In deference to Ajit Pawar's passing, traditional celebrations were forgone, reflecting the city's collective mourning for a leader instrumental in shaping its growth.
This leadership transition sets the stage for a new chapter in Pimpri-Chinchwad's governance, with the BJP-led administration pledging to advance development while navigating the political landscape shaped by both legacy and contemporary challenges.
