Chandrapur Mayor Poll Today: Thriller On Cards, Sena-UBT Holds The Key

Chandrapur: The Chandrapur Municipal Corporation (CMC) is poised to elect its mayor and deputy Mayor on Tuesday, potentially ending nearly four years of administrator governance. Both Congress and BJP, however, are claiming they can touch the magic figure of 34 to form the ruling body, setting the stage for a closely watched political contest. A special meeting has been convened at Rani Hirai Hall.The corporation has remained under administrative rule since April 29, 2022, when the previous council's term expired. Last month's civic polls produced a fractured mandate with Congress emerging as the single largest party with 27 seats. The mayor's post has once again been reserved for women.Congress legislature party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, speaking in Nagpur on Monday, expressed confidence his party would secure the top post with support from Shiv Sena (UBT), the Jansurajya Party and other allies. Congress leaders said ongoing negotiations had been positive and indicated a formula for sharing posts with partners was being finalised. Party sources claimed with three Jansurajya corporators and additional backing from AIMIM and BSP, Congress has crossed the 30-mark and needs only minimal additional support to secure control. Talks with Shiv Sena (UBT)'s 10-member group and two Independents were described as encouraging.BJP, however, has mounted a strong counterclaim. Senior leader and MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar said the party had finished negotiations with smaller outfits and was confident its nominee, Sangita Khandekar, would be elected mayor. He asserted BJP reached the required majority and expected a seamless poll process.Political observers note Shiv Sena (UBT)'s final stand could prove decisive. With only hours left before voting, intense negotiations are continuing behind the scenes.Ten nominations have been filed for mayor's post and six for deputy mayor. BJP has fielded Sangita Rajendra Khandekar and Sarika Sachin Sandurkar, while Congress candidates include Sangita Bhoyar, Sangita Amrutkar, Sunanda Dhobe and Vaishali Mahadule. Mansavi Sandeep Girhe represents Shiv Sena (UBT).BOX BOXStrength of Parties: In the 66-member corporation, Cong leads with 27 corporators, followed by BJP with 23. Shiv Sena (UBT) has 6 seats, Bharatiya Shetkari Kamgar Party holds 3, the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi has 2, and there are 2 Independents. Shiv Sena, BSP and AIMIM each have one corporator.Congress has registered a 27-member group, while BJP has formed a 24-member bloc with support from one Shiv Sena (Shinde) corporator. Shiv Sena (UBT) and Vanchit have combined to create an eight-member group, and BSKP with AIMIM has registered a four-member formation. A BSP corporator and two Independents remain separate, though both Independents have pledged support to Sena (UBT) group.