Nagpur: Ending weeks of speculation in political circles, the Bharatiya Janata Party has almost finalised its leadership team for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation. While the official announcement is scheduled for February 2, reliable sources say the key posts are already decided.
South Nagpur corporator Neeta Thakre is set to become the next Mayor, while Central Nagpur corporator Adv. Sanjay Balpande is likely to take charge as Deputy Mayor.
Young corporator Shivani Dani, who represents the South-West Nagpur assembly segment of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is expected to be appointed Chairperson of the Standing Committee, effectively placing the civic treasury under her supervision.
Gold Rate
28 Jan 2026
Senior corporator Narendra alias Balya Borkar from East Nagpur—whose constituency recorded the highest tally of 25 corporators—is almost certain to be named Leader of the Ruling Party. Sources, however, indicate that minor last-minute changes in a few names cannot be ruled out.
The decisions were reportedly sealed during a meeting of newly elected corporators at Rajwada Palace, attended by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and BJP MLAs. Shivani Dani’s name was initially discussed for the mayoral post, but the party leadership ultimately backed the more experienced Neeta Thakre.
North Nagpur appears to have missed out on major posts this time, with corporators from the area likely to be accommodated through chairmanships of committees such as Transport and Health.
As per the proposed rotation plan, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will serve terms of around 15 months each. This arrangement could see Nagpur witness four women mayors and four deputy mayors over the next five years. The Standing Committee Chairperson and Leader of the Ruling Party will hold one-year tenures.
Although Adv. Sanjay Balpande’s name has surfaced for Deputy Mayor, there is some uncertainty over whether he is keen on the role. Party insiders say he is expected to accept the responsibility assigned by senior leadership.
With the power structure largely settled, attention now turns to how Nagpur’s civic administration will shape the city’s next phase.
