Mumbai: Bhushan Gagrani Appointed as BMC Commissioner, Iqbal Chahal to Move to CMO

Varad Bhatkhande

Mumbai, 20th March 2024: IAS officer Bhushan Gagrani is poised to take over from Iqbal Singh Chahal as the Municipal Commissioner and Administrator of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) following confirmation of his appointment by the Election Commission on Wednesday.

Who is Bhushan Gagrani?

Bhushan Gagrani is a distinguished bureaucrat belonging to the 1990 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). He most recently served as the additional chief secretary to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Maharashtra. With a wealth of experience spanning various crucial departments, including urban development, Marathi language promotion, and water resources management, Gagrani has held pivotal roles in departments such as industries, public health, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), State Tourism Development Corporation, Cidco, and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).

Gagrani’s appointment represents a significant transition as he moves from his prior role in the urban development department to become a key advisor within the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) under Eknath Shinde’s leadership.

Iqbal Chahal’s Removal by EC

This development necessitates the transfer of the incumbent BMC Commissioner, Iqbal Chahal, following his removal by the Election Commission.

In a sternly-worded communication addressed to Chief Secretary Nitin Kareer dated March 18, ECI Secretary S.K. Das highlighted non-compliance with the December 21, 2023 directive stipulating the disallowance of officers directly involved in elections from continuing in their current district or home district, or if they have completed three years in the district in the past four years or would do so before June 30.

Chahal may assume a position as Additional Chief Secretary within the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in light of these developments. Additionally, Saurabh Rao and Kailas Shinde have been appointed to lead the civic bodies of Thane and Navi Mumbai, respectively.