6 VMC standing panel members to retire

VADODARA: Hectic politicking is likely to take place in the ruling BJP in Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) when six members of the standing committee retire on December 1. The party will now choose councillors who will replace the existing members.
As per the law, half of the 12 standing committee member retire every year through a draw.
In the draws on Friday in the standing committee meeting, six members - Rakesh Patel, Dr Hitendra Patel, Lalit Raj, Vandana Khode, Rashmika Gohil and Ranjan Bhatt - retired.They will, however, continue to be members till December 1.
However, two of the most seasoned councillors Shabdasharan Brahmbhatt and Bharat Shah have stayed back. Brahmbhatt is the present chairman of the committee while Shah has held the position in the past. Besides the duo, councillors Jaimin Amin, Bharat Patel, Prafullgiri Goswami and Arvind Vasava have held their posts.
With the retirement of the six councillors, several others are eyeing their posts. The BJP will have a tough task in reaching a decision over the issue owing to intense lobbying.
A decision will have to be made regarding the new appointments by the BJP till November 30. On this day, the decision will have to be brought to the general board of the civic body for its nod.