BJP selects fresh faces for top post in BMC

Mumbai: Ignoring the claims of several former corporators, BJP has appointed two unknown faces – Ganesh Khankar and Srinivas Tripathi – as its two nominated corporators in BMC. Both nominees have risen from the ranks of ABVP and Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha.

Party sources revealed that while many former corporators like Bhalchandra Shirsat, Vinod Shelar, Prakash Darekar and Ritu Tawde were in the running for these posts in the civic house, BJP sprang a surprise by electing young faces for the job. Mr Tripathi is deputy president in the city BJP, whereas Mr Khankar is Mahamantri of the North Mumbai party unit. The latter was denied ticket as BJP decided to field Prakash Darekar in Magathane.

BJP group leader Manoj Kotak said, “It is BJP’s policy to offer a chance to those talented activists who did not get the opportunity to contest elections. Accordingly, Mr Khankar and Mr Tripathi have been appointed as nominated corporators.”

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena has named former corporator Trishna Vishwasrao and party spokesperson Arvind Bhosale as its two nominated members. Ms Vishwasrao lost the civic polls very narrowly, while Mr Bhosale’s claim to fame is his pledge not to wear shoes till Narayan Rane suffers defeat in an election. Congress has finalised Sunil Narsale, south Mumbai district president, as its sole nominated corporator.