BJP’s Himgauri Aher elected unopposed as mayor in Nashik; Sena’s Vilas Shinde as deputy

Nashik: BJP's Himgauri Aher and Shiv Sena's Vilas Shinde were elected unopposed as the new mayor and the deputy mayor, respectively, of the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) during the elections held on Friday, formally ending the civic body's nearly four-year administrator-run phase.Himgauri Aher, a 43-year-old MBA holder, is a second-term corporator and has been the standing committee chairperson of the Nashik Municipal Corporation in the past. Her parents were also office-bearers in Nashik civic body. Her father, Balasaheb Aher, had been the former standing committee chairman and her mother, Shobha Aher, had been the deputy mayor. Her cousin, Rahul Aher, is the BJP MLA from Chandwad.Vilas Shinde, 53, a third-term corporator, was the group leader of the undivided Shiv Sena and former Nashik city chief of UBT. He joined Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena last year. He had also contested the state assembly polls in 2024 but lost.The mayoral and deputy mayoral polls were conducted under the supervision of Nashik district collector Ayush Prasad, who served as the presiding officer. Aher was declared elected as mayor after Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Seema Pawar, the only other nominee for the mayoral post, withdrew her candidature.Four candidates were originally in the race for the deputy mayor's post—BJP's Machhindra Sanap and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction)'s Vilas Shinde, Pravin Tidme, and Rahul Dive. However, they withdrew their nominations, clearing the way for Shinde to be elected unopposed.A day before the elections, the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) extended unconditional support to the BJP, further consolidating the BJP-Shiv Sena strength in the 122-member House. In the January 15 civic polls, the BJP secured a clear majority with 72 seats, followed by Shiv Sena with 26 seats, UBT 15, NCP four, Congress three, MNS one and one independent.After taking charge, Himgauri Aher said her top priorities would include ensuring overall development of the city and successfully conducting the 2027 Kumbh Mela. "Kumbh Melal would be a major administrative focus. All related work would be completed on time," she said. Aher reiterated her commitment to improving civic services and speeding up development projects across all wards.Cabinet minister Girish Mahajan praised Aher, calling her highly qualified and experienced. He said that although the BJP contested the elections independently, they ensured that Shiv Sena was taken along and offered the deputy mayor's post.