BMC Civic News: Kishori Pednekar Named Shiv Sena (UBT) Group Leader in BMC Ahead of Formal Registration
Mumbai, 21st January 2026: Former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar has been appointed as the group leader of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), as parties intensify preparations following the declaration of civic election results.
The decision was finalised ahead of the party’s 65 corporators approaching the Konkan Divisional Commissioner on Wednesday to complete the formal group registration process. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership maintained tight confidentiality around the appointment until the final stage, underscoring the heightened political sensitivity surrounding key positions in the civic body.
With focus now shifting to the upcoming mayoral election, the appointment of group leaders has emerged as a crucial strategic step for political parties. Earlier, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which has six corporators, named Yashwant Killedar—a close associate of party chief Raj Thackeray—as its group leader. The Congress, meanwhile, appointed Kurla corporator Ashraf Azmi and completed its group registration at Konkan Bhavan on Tuesday.
Against this backdrop, there was considerable anticipation around decisions by parties with larger numerical strength. The BJP, the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and the Shiv Sena (UBT) had until now refrained from publicly announcing their group leaders, given the intense competition associated with the post.
Sources said the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership finalised Pednekar’s name on Wednesday, just ahead of completing the formalities, as the announcement of mayoral reservation is expected on Thursday.
Pednekar is considered a key and trusted leader within the Thackeray faction. After the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena, she remained firmly with Uddhav Thackeray at a time when several corporators switched sides. Despite sustained criticism and allegations from rival parties, she consistently defended the party’s stand in public and media interactions.
Pednekar also represents the Worli assembly constituency, which is held by Aaditya Thackeray, and is known for her assertive approach—qualities the party believes will be critical amid expected political battles in the BMC.
Traditionally, group leaders are formally announced during the mayoral election process, with party names submitted in sealed envelopes to the mayor for declaration in the civic body. This year, however, most parties have opted to declare their group leaders in advance, reflecting the high political stakes surrounding the BMC’s leadership.
