Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Thane, Feb 3: Shiv Sena leader Sharmila Pimplolkar was elected as the 23rd mayor of Thane on Tuesday, becoming only the fifth woman to occupy the city’s top civic post. She was elected unopposed, along with Krishna Patil of the BJP as deputy mayor, after no rival nominations were filed.

Alongside Thane, mayoral and deputy mayoral elections were also completed without contest in the municipal corporations of Vasai-Virar, Mira-Bhayander, Kalyan-Dombivli and Ulhasnagar.

The mayor’s post in Thane was reserved for a Scheduled Caste candidate, and the Shiv Sena’s commanding strength of 75 corporators in the 131-member House ensured a smooth victory for Pimplolkar. A second-term corporator from panel 20B in the Naupada-Kopri ward of Thane East, she faced no opposition despite stiff internal competition for the position.

Addressing supporters at a large celebratory rally, Pimplolkar said she was taken by surprise at being chosen for the role. She attributed her elevation to sustained grassroots work, the trust of residents in her ward, support from colleagues, and backing from senior party leaders.

In her victory speech, she credited the success to the Mahayuti alliance and to Shiv Sena leader and deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, whom she praised for carrying forward the developmental vision of his late mentor Anand Dighe. She said Thane had long been regarded as Dighe’s stronghold and noted that Shinde had successfully retained that legacy for the party.

“Eknath Shinde has played a decisive role in shaping Thane’s future, and we will work relentlessly to build on that progress,” she said, adding that the saffron flag had once again been firmly planted over the civic body.

Highlighting women’s representation in the civic administration, Pimplolkar pointed out that nearly 75 per cent of corporators in the Thane Municipal Corporation are women, expressing hope that the proportion would rise further in the coming years.

Deputy mayor Krishna Patil, a two-term corporator from ward 11D in the Uthalsar area, said the new leadership was aware of the city’s pressing challenges, including traffic congestion, water supply constraints and parking shortages. He assured residents that efforts would be made to address these issues systematically.

Officials noted that this marks the ninth elected board of the Thane Municipal Corporation since its formation in 1986. The previous body’s term ended in March 2022, leading to nearly four years of administrative rule. With elected representatives now back in place, Mahayuti leaders said the focus would return to tackling civic issues and accelerating urban development.

“The new leadership will prioritise infrastructure, public services and a people-centric approach to governance as Thane enters its next phase of growth,” a senior politician said.