Shiv Sena's Vishwanath Mahadeshwar was elected as the Mayor of the Bombay Municipal Corporation by the newly elected members of the ruling BJP-Sena combine.
Out of the 227 corporators, 218 participated in the voting process. The final tally saw Mahadeshwar winning 171 out of 218 votes – made by a show of hands. Mahadeshwar filed his nomination for the post on Tuesday.
All BJP corporators voted for Mahadeshwar, while the SP and the NCP did not vote for anyone. The MNS was absent.
The Congress’ Vitthal Lokare got 31 votes.
Mahadeshwar has been elected BMC for the third time from Bandra East. He served as the Principal at Raje Sambhaji Junior College in Santa Cruz.
There were celebrations at Shiv Sena Bhawan, and the party has put up hoardings across Mumbai claiming victory over Mumbai
The 56-year-old is among the most educated corporators in the Sena, graduating from Ramnarain Ruia College. Mahadeshwar said he would focus on ridding the city of potholes and encroachments, and address water shortage, if elected.
Present during the election were outgoing Mayor Snehal Ambekar, Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta and other senior leaders and officials.
The election came four days after the BJP abruptly withdrew from the mayoral race and decided to keep away from any other post like Deputy Mayor, or other major committees or sit in the opposition in the 227-strong BMC house.
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