Thane: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strengthened its hold over urban local bodies in Maharashtra with the election of Dimple Mehta as the new Mayor of the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC). The mayoral election took place on Tuesday at the civic headquarters, marking an important development following the recently concluded municipal council elections across the state.
Dimple Mehta was elected unopposed after no rival candidate withdrew or challenged her nomination during the stipulated period. Her victory was backed by a decisive show of numbers, reflecting the BJP’s commanding position within the municipal corporation. Alongside her, Dhruvkishor Patil was chosen as the Deputy Mayor, completing the party’s leadership team at the civic body.
The voting process saw overwhelming support for Mehta, with 78 BJP corporators and one independent corporator casting their votes in her favour. This clear majority ensured a smooth election despite a charged political environment outside the council hall.
The MBMC elections had earlier delivered a strong mandate to the BJP, which secured 78 of the total 95 seats. The Congress emerged as the second-largest party with 13 seats, while the Shiv Sena managed to win three seats. One seat went to an independent candidate. This numerical advantage effectively sealed the BJP’s claim to key leadership positions within the corporation.
However, the election was not without controversy. The Marathi Ekikaran Samiti staged protests, reiterating its demand that the mayoral post should be held by a Marathi-speaking candidate. The group expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP’s decision to move ahead with the election process despite their objections.
