Nagpur: In a politically significant and symbolic move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ensured a complete women-led leadership structure in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). After electing Neeta Thakre as Mayor and Leela Hathibed as Deputy Mayor, the party has now appointed women corporators to lead all committees, including the influential Standing Committee and Transport Committee.
The decision marks the first time in Nagpur’s civic history that every major committee—administrative, financial, development, and welfare-related—will be chaired by women.
Women to Lead All Subject Committees
Addressing a press conference at Suresh Bhat Auditorium ahead of the special general body meeting, BJP city president Dayashankar Tiwari formally announced that every subject committee of the NMC would be headed by a woman corporator.
However, the absence of both Mayor Neeta Thakre and ruling party leader Narendra Borkar at the briefing has sparked fresh political speculation in civic circles.
Complete List of Newly Appointed Women Chairpersons
- Shivani Dani – Chairperson, Standing Committee
- Mayatai Iwanate – Chairperson, Fire Committee
- Divya Dhurde – Chairperson, Water Supply Committee
- Mangala Khekare – Chairperson, Transport Committee
- Ashwini Jichkar – Chairperson, Construction Committee
- Manisha Aatkare – Chairperson, Health Committee
- Sarita Kaware – Chairperson, Taxation Committee
- Darshani Dhawad – Chairperson, Sports Committee
- Santoshdevi Laddha – Chairperson, Education Committee
- Nidhi Telgote – Chairperson, Law Committee
- Sarika Nandurkar – Chairperson, Women & Child Welfare Committee
- Ritik Masram – Chairperson, Slum Eradication Committee
BJP’s ‘Matru Devo Bhava’ Push Gains Political Spotlight
The move is being viewed as a bold political statement by the BJP, which has framed the decision under the banner of “Matru Devo Bhava”, highlighting respect for women and their leadership.
With a woman Mayor, woman Deputy Mayor, and now 100% women-led committees, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation has become one of the few civic bodies in India to showcase near-total female stewardship.
A Strong Step Toward Gender-Inclusive Governance
Political observers note that the appointments could significantly strengthen women’s participation in civic administration while also altering the political dynamics within the corporation.
By handing over leadership of powerful committees such as the Standing Committee, Transport, Health, Taxation, and Construction, the BJP has signaled that women corporators will play a central role in policy-making and urban development decisions.
