Nagpur: The reservation draw for the post of Mayor of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation was announced on Thursday, confirming that the mayoral seat has been reserved for the General Women category. With this announcement, political activity in the city has sharply intensified, and discussions around probable contenders have gained momentum.
Prominent among the names being actively discussed are Shivani Dani, Ashwini Jichkar, and Vishakha Mohod—all corporators elected from the South-West constituency represented by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Also in contention is Nita (Nita Tai) Rajendra Thackeray, corporator from Ward No. 28.
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22 Jan 2026
The reservation announcement comes nearly six days after the municipal election results were declared. During this period, there was intense speculation over which category would receive the mayoral reservation. Some political circles had anticipated reservation for the Scheduled Caste category. However, the Urban Development Department’s lottery on Thursday put an end to all conjecture by reserving the post for General Women.
Advantage for Women Corporators from the CM’s Constituency
Shivani Dani (Ward 36), Ashwini Jichkar (Ward 37), and Vishakha Mohod (Ward 35) all hail from the Chief Minister’s South-West Nagpur constituency. Notably, after the 2017 municipal elections, the mayoral post had also gone to a corporator from the same constituency following the BJP’s return to power. This precedent has strengthened the belief that a woman corporator from this area could once again be given the opportunity.
Senior and Experienced Leaders Also in the Race
Apart from the frontrunners, the names of senior and experienced BJP corporators such as Nita Thackeray, Divya Dhurde, Mangala Khekare, and Sadhana Barde are also being considered. Their organisational experience, administrative coordination, and seniority within the party could weigh in their favour during the final decision-making process.
BJP’s Clear Majority, Decision Rests with Leadership
The Bharatiya Janata Party has secured a decisive mandate in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections, winning 102 seats. With an undisputed majority, the choice of the Mayor lies entirely with the BJP leadership. Given the political influence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis both in the state and in Nagpur, the final call is expected to align closely with his assessment.
Mayor Reservation Pattern in Nagpur (Last 15 Years):
- 2007–2009: Scheduled Tribe
- 2009–2012: General Women
- 2012–2014: General
- 2014–2017: OBC (General)
- 2017–2019: General Women
- 2019–2022: General
- 2026 onwards (next 2.5 years): General Women
With the mayoral post once again reserved for women, Nagpur’s political landscape is set to witness a renewed emphasis on women’s leadership. The city now watches closely to see whether Shivani Dani, Ashwini Jichkar, Vishakha Mohod, or Nita Thackeray will emerge as the next Mayor of Nagpur.
