Bhiwandi-Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC) witnessed a significant political shift on February 20, 2026, as Narayan Chaudhary, a rebel from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was elected mayor with the support of the Congress Party. Tariq Momin from Congress also secured the role of deputy mayor. This mayoral election was characterized by intense party infighting and unexpected alliances, as Chaudhary and several other BJP corporators joined forces with Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Sharad Pawar, under the newly formed ‘Secular Front.’
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal emphasized the significance of this alliance, stating, “Several BJP councillors have joined the Secular Front, leaving behind the ideology of the BJP. The Secular Front unanimously decided on Chaudhary’s name for the mayorship. So, Bhiwandi has got a mayor and deputy mayor from the Congress-led alliance.”
Chaudhary hailed his election as a victory for the people of Bhiwandi, declaring, “This is the victory of the Secular Front, the victory of the people of Bhiwandi. Change the thinking and Bhiwandi will change.” The voting process was conducted through a show of hands, with Chaudhary receiving 48 votes. Competing candidates included Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena’s Vilas Patil, who garnered 25 votes, and BJP’s Sneha Patil, who received 16 votes. Notably, one independent candidate abstained from voting.
The political landscape had shifted considerably during the previous civic elections held on January 15, where Congress emerged as the largest party with 30 seats, followed by BJP with 22, Shiv Sena with 12, and NCP-SP with 12 seats. Other parties, including the Samajwadi Party (6), Konark Vikas Aghadi (4), and Bhiwandi Vikas Aghadi (3), also secured representation in the 90-member corporation, with one independent candidate winning a seat.
In response to the developments, BJP state president Ravindra Chavan issued a warning of stringent disciplinary measures against the rebel corporators, signaling the party’s discontent with the breakaway faction. As the political turmoil unfolds, the implications of this realignment on Bhiwandi’s governance and future are yet to be fully understood.
This election not only marks a crucial point in Bhiwandi’s local politics but also raises questions about party loyalty and the shifting dynamics in Maharashtra’s political landscape. As the Congress-led alliance takes control, the coming months will be pivotal in addressing the needs and aspirations of Bhiwandi’s citizens.
This significant change in Bhiwandi’s municipal governance reflects broader trends in Indian politics, emphasizing the growing importance of coalitions and realignments in local power dynamics. With citizen engagement high, the effects of this new leadership will be closely monitored by both political analysts and constituents alike.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/rebel-rise-continues-in-maharashtra-as-congress-backed-mayor-elected-in-bhiwandi/article70656834.ece
Category : Mumbai
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Publish Date: 2026-02-21 10:16:00
