BJP’s group leader Shyam Badode submitting names of party candidates for the six posts of co-opted corporators to NMC commissioner Manisha Khatri
BJP, which is entitled to six of the 10 seats based on its strength in the House, nominated state spokesperson Ajit Chavan, former Nashik Merchants Co-op Bank chairperson Hemant Dhatrak, former corporator Sandeep Lenkar, BJP state secretary Rohini Naidu, Ganga-Godavari Panchkothi Purohit Sangh president Chandrashekhar Panchakshari, and senior party functionary Ramhari Sambherao. BJP, with 72 corporators, secured six seats, while Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the UBT-Congress alliance got two seats each. Sources said BJP faced a tough challenge in finalising its nominees as more than 400 party workers were reportedly aspiring for the posts.
The allocation of co-opted corporator posts was based on the numerical strength of political parties in the civic body. Meanwhile, political circles were abuzz over Congress leader Sufi Jin’s unsuccessful attempt to secure a co-opted seat after the UBT Sena declined to accommodate the party’s claim under the alliance quota.
The names are expected to be formally announced by mayor Himgauri Aher at the next general body meeting. The proposals will now be scrutinised by municipal commissioner Manisha Khatri over the next two days.