Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 6: BJP corporator Sujata Suraj Patil was on Thursday elected as the mayor of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), while Dashrath Sitaram Bhagat was unanimously chosen as the deputy mayor.
The results of the mayoral election were formally declared by Thane Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Ranjit Yadav, who acted as the presiding officer. Following the announcement, both Patil and Bhagat were felicitated. The proceedings began with Municipal Secretary Sanghratna Khillare welcoming the presiding officer.
Sujata Patil’s election to the top civic post was unopposed after Shiv Sena corporator Saroj Rohidas Patil withdrew her nomination. Similarly, Shiv Sena candidate Aakash Balkrishna Madhvi withdrew from the deputy mayor’s race, paving the way for Bhagat’s uncontested election.
Dr Kailas Shinde, leader of the 111-member NMMC House, congratulated the newly elected mayor and deputy mayor by presenting bouquets. Additional commissioners Sunil Pawar and Dr Rahul Gethe, former MP Sanjeev Naik, former MLA Sandeep Naik, senior civic officials and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Speaking after her election, Mayor Sujata Patil said she viewed the post not as a victory but as a major responsibility. “I will work with sincerity and discipline, taking guidance from seniors and cooperation from all corporators to serve the people of Navi Mumbai,” she said.
Outlining her priorities, she said cleanliness, health services, education, environment and traffic planning would be her key focus areas. “Providing basic civic facilities to common citizens will remain my priority,” she added.
As a woman mayor, Patil said her journey from a homemaker to mayor reflected the growing role of women in public life. Holding a Master’s degree in commerce, she said she has been involved in social work and politics for the past decade. “I will work sensitively for women’s safety and dignity and ensure inclusive development of the city,” she said.
Deputy Mayor Dashrath Bhagat said his election was both an opportunity and a responsibility. “I thank all members for their support and will work honestly for the development of the city,” he said.
Describing Navi Mumbai as a city known nationwide for planned development, Bhagat said he would make sincere efforts to contribute to its faster and balanced growth by working with all stakeholders.
Assuring citizens, he said development works would be carried out by taking everyone along. “I will focus on the issues faced by citizens and ensure their expectations are addressed,” Bhagat added.