Mumbai Mayor Post Reserved for General Woman Category After Lottery, Sena (UBT) Walks Out

Mumbai: Political tensions escalated in Maharashtra on Thursday after a lottery process reserved the Mumbai Mayor’s post for the General (Woman) category, triggering sharp objections from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), which alleged irregularities and staged a walkout.

The reservation was finalised through a draw of lots conducted as per civic rules to determine the category for the Mayor of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), India’s richest municipal body. Following the draw, it became clear that only women councillors from the general category will be eligible to contest for the Mayor’s post.

Soon after the announcement, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders questioned the transparency of the process, calling it “fixed” and accusing the ruling dispensation of manipulating procedures to suit political interests. Party representatives walked out of the proceedings in protest, escalating the standoff within the civic and political circles.

The reservation of the Mayor’s post carries significant political importance, especially amid the ongoing power struggle in Maharashtra’s civic politics. The BMC, which commands a massive annual budget and plays a crucial role in Mumbai’s governance, has remained without an elected Mayor for an extended period following administrative and legal delays.

Officials, however, maintained that the lottery process was conducted strictly according to established norms and in the presence of representatives from political parties. They stated that reservation by draw of lots is a routine exercise mandated under municipal regulations to ensure representation.

With the Mayor’s post now reserved for a woman from the general category, political parties are expected to recalibrate their strategies and identify eligible candidates accordingly. The development is likely to influence negotiations, alliances, and floor coordination within the BMC.

The controversy comes at a time when Maharashtra’s political climate remains volatile, marked by factional divisions within the Shiv Sena and heightened competition among major parties, including the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Sena faction.

Despite the protests, the civic administration is expected to move ahead with the next procedural steps toward the election of the Mayor, subject to legal and administrative clearances. Security was maintained at the venue to prevent disruptions, and officials said proceedings continued after the walkout.

The outcome of the Mayor’s election is being closely watched, given its potential impact on Mumbai’s civic governance and the broader political dynamics in the state.