Chandrapur (Maharashtra), Feb 10 (NationPress) In a significant political shift, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday clinched the Mayor's position in the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra after six councilors from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) sided with the party, going against the official directive.

The election of Sangeeta Khandekar as Mayor marks a setback for the Congress, which had recently emerged as the largest party in the civic elections but lost the top position by a narrow margin of just one vote.

According to sources within the Shiv Sena (UBT), the local unit opted to back the BJP due to growing dissatisfaction stemming from tensions and internal conflicts within the Congress.

The mayoral election was closely contested, with BJP candidate Sangeeta Khandekar receiving 32 votes compared to the 31 votes for the Congress candidate. Two members from the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) were absent, while the sole corporator from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chose to abstain.

The effective majority threshold dropped due to the AIMIM's abstention and the VBA's absence, ultimately facilitating the BJP's victory.

This outcome occurred after six Shiv Sena (UBT) members defied explicit orders from the party leadership to reject the BJP.

Just an hour prior to the voting, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut held a press conference in Mumbai, asserting that party chief Uddhav Thackeray had instructed members to oppose the BJP.

“We will not support the BJP under any circumstances. Even if we have to sit in the opposition, we will do so, but we will not assist the BJP in gaining power,” Raut emphasized.

Despite this, local leaders in Chandrapur proceeded to endorse the BJP. Sandeep Girhe, district chief of the Thackeray faction, justified the decision, citing a lack of collaboration from the Congress.

In statements to the media, Girhe explained that the choice to support the BJP was motivated by developmental considerations and perceived neglect by senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, who had allegedly refused to share the Mayor's post during the five-year term.

As per the purported agreement, the BJP will hold the Mayor's position for the initial 15 months, after which Shiv Sena (UBT) will assume control. Additionally, Shiv Sena (UBT) will retain the Deputy Mayor's role for the complete five-year term and will chair the Standing Committee during the first and fourth years.

This political maneuver has stirred discontent within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. Sources indicate that the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership is contemplating disciplinary measures against Sandeep Girhe and the six corporators for contravening party directives and failing to notify the leadership about local negotiations.

The current composition of the 66-member Chandrapur Municipal Corporation is as follows: Congress 27, BJP 23, Shiv Sena (UBT) 6, Jan Vikas Sena 3, VBA 2, AIMIM 1, Independents 2, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) 1, and BSP 1.