Former mayor of Bombay Kishori Pednekar has been appointed leader of the Shiv Sena group of corporations (UBT) in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Party leaders said she is also likely to be named opposition leader in the civic body.
The appointment comes as the BJP and the Eknath ShindeThe Shiv Sena-led Shiv Sena is expected to have a majority in the BMC. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena (UBT) is gearing up to sit on the opposition seats and take on the ruling alliance in the House.
Pednekar had been mayor during the COVID-19 pandemic and is known for her strong stance on civic issues. After the Shiv Sena split, he remained with Uddhav Thackeray and has been an active voice in Bombay policy.
Senior party leaders said the decision was taken to ensure a strong presence in the BMC House. “He has corporate experience and knows how the House works,” said a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader.
Speaking after his appointment, Pednekar said he would follow the party’s stance and decisions taken by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.
He added that the opposition would focus on issues related to Mumbai and its citizens.
After the group’s registration, Pednekar said Sena UBT is focused on working for the city and not on showing strength within the Civic House.
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“We, as a party, have faced many crises in the last few years and are ready to face more. Our aim is to work for Mumbai. We will accept whatever decision Uddhav Thackeray takes on the mayor’s post. We are also making efforts for the post,” he said.
Pednekar is a three-time Lower Parel corporator and has been part of Shiv Sena’s Mahila Aghadi.
Absent corporate
While all Sena corporators were present for the group registration, one corporator, Sarita Mhaske, remained absent. This led to rumors that he might have joined the Shinde-led Sena.
Denying this, the party said that Sarita Mhaske, who won from ward 157 by defeating BJP candidate Asha Tayde, is currently out of Mumbai.
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“He has told us that he will register by the end of this week. He is out of the city. There is a 30-day period to register, so there is no rush. He has not left the party,” said Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab.
The party has not sent you any notice or taken any action.
After group registration, the party whip will apply to all corporators. The Sena (UBT) is expected to give a whip during the Mumbai mayoral elections.