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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Seventy-six mayors ruled BMC since 1931

After four years, Mumbai to salute its first citizen Kishori Pednekar Vishwanath Mahadeshwar Snehal Ambekar Sunil Prabhu Mumbai: As the date for appointing Mumbai’s First Citizen looms closer, various political parties have adopted tough posturing to foist their own person for the coveted post of Mayor – the ‘face’ of the country’s commercial capital. Ruling Mahayuti allies Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena have vowed that the city...

Seventy-six mayors ruled BMC since 1931

After four years, Mumbai to salute its first citizen Kishori Pednekar Vishwanath Mahadeshwar Snehal Ambekar Sunil Prabhu Mumbai: As the date for appointing Mumbai’s First Citizen looms closer, various political parties have adopted tough posturing to foist their own person for the coveted post of Mayor – the ‘face’ of the country’s commercial capital. Ruling Mahayuti allies Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena have vowed that the city will get a ‘Hindu Marathi’ person to head India’s richest civic body, while the Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena also harbour fond hopes of a miracle that could ensure their own person for the post. The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) optimism stems from expectations of possible political permutations-combinations that could develop with a realignment of forces as the Supreme Court is hearing the cases involving the Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party this week. Catapulted as the largest single party, the BJP hopes to install a first ever party-man as Mayor, but that may not create history. Way back in 1982-1983, a BJP leader Dr. Prabhakar Pai had served in the top post in Mumbai (then Bombay). Incidentally, Dr. Pai hailed from Udupi district of Karnataka, and his appointment came barely a couple of years after the BJP was formed (1980), capping a distinguished career as a city father, said experts. Originally a Congressman, Dr. Pai later shifted to the Bharatiya Janata Party, then back to Congress briefly, founded the Janata Seva Sangh before immersing himself in social activities. Second Administrator The 2026 Mayoral elections have evoked huge interest not only among Mumbaikars but across the country as it comes after nearly four years since the BMC was governed by an Administrator. This was only the second time in the BMC history that an Administrator was named after April 1984-May 1985. On both occasions, there were election-related issues, the first time the elections got delayed for certain reasons and the second time the polling was put off owing to Ward delimitations and OBC quotas as the matter was pending in the courts. From 1931 till 2022, Mumbai has been lorded over by 76 Mayors, men and women, hailing from various regions, backgrounds, castes and communities. They included Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Parsis, Sikhs, even a Jew, etc., truly reflecting the cosmopolitan personality of the coastal city and India’s financial powerhouse. In 1931-1932, the Mayor was a Parsi, J. B. Boman Behram, and others from his community followed like Khurshed Framji Nariman (after whom Nariman Point is named), E. A. Bandukwala, Minoo Masani, B. N. Karanjia and other bigwigs. There were Muslims like Hoosenally Rahimtoola, Sultan M. Chinoy, the legendary Yusuf Meherally, Dr. A. U. Memon and others. The Christian community got a fair share of Mayors with Joseph A. D’Souza – who was Member of Constituent Assembly representing Bombay Province for writing-approving the Constitution of India, M. U. Mascarenhas, P. A. Dias, Simon C. Fernandes, J. Leon D’Souza, et al. A Jew Elijah Moses (1937-1938) and a Sikh M. H. Bedi (1983-1984), served as Mayors, but post-1985, for the past 40 years, nobody from any minority community occupied the august post. During the silver jubilee year of the post, Sulochana M. Modi became the first woman Mayor of Mumbai (1956), and later with tweaks in the rules, many women ruled in this post – Nirmala Samant-Prabhavalkar (1994-1995), Vishakha Raut (997-1998), Dr. Shubha Raul (March 2007-Nov. 2009), Shraddha Jadhav (Dec. 2009-March 2012), Snehal Ambedkar (Sep. 2014-March 2017). The last incumbent (before the Administrator) was a government nurse, Kishori Pednekar (Nov. 2019-March 2022) - who earned the sobriquet of ‘Florence Nightingale’ of Mumbai - as she flitted around in her full white uniform at the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic, earning the admiration of the citizens. Mumbai Mayor – high-profile post The Mumbai Mayor’s post is considered a crucial step in the political ladder and many went on to become MLAs, MPs, state-central ministers, a Lok Sabha Speaker, Chief Ministers and union ministers. The formidable S. K. Patil was Mayor (1949-1952) and later served in the union cabinets of PMs Jawaharlal Nehru, Lah Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi; Dahyabhai V. Patel (1954-1955) was the son of India’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel; Manohar Joshi (1976-1977) became the CM of Maharashtra, later union minister and Speaker of Lok Sabha; Chhagan Bhujbal (1985-1986 – 1990-1991) became a Deputy CM.

A Leader at 75: Celebrating PM Modi’s Journey

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi turns 75, the nation joins in celebration of not just a personal milestone but a historic era of change, progress, and renewed self-belief for India. His journey, from humble beginnings to the highest office of the world’s largest democracy, continues to inspire millions. Over the last 11 years, Modi’s leadership has left an indelible mark across every sphere of national life—economic reforms, social empowerment, national security, cultural revival, and global diplomacy.


This occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary transformation India has witnessed under his stewardship and to look forward with hope to the path ahead.


Economic reforms

In 2014, when Narendra Modi first assumed office, India was at a crossroads. His government immediately focused on stabilizing the economy, rooting out inefficiencies, and creating a framework for sustained growth. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) unified India’s fragmented tax regime into one common market—something that had eluded policymakers for decades.


The Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives have encouraged domestic manufacturing, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. India is today among the world’s top destinations for foreign direct investment, a reflection of the confidence global investors place in its economy.


Meanwhile, projects such as Digital India have transformed governance and commerce. From small shopkeepers to multinational corporations, digital payments and e-governance platforms are now the backbone of economic life. Millions who were once excluded from the financial system have gained access to banking through the Jan Dhan Yojana, symbolizing Modi’s belief that economic growth must be inclusive.


Social Empowerment

Prime Minister Modi has often said that true progress is measured by the dignity it brings to the common citizen. His social programs reflect this principle.


The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2014, changed not just sanitation practices but also social attitudes, with millions of rural households receiving access to toilets for the first time. The Ujjwala Yojana replaced smoky chulhas with clean LPG connections, directly improving the health of women and children in poor households.


Healthcare was revolutionized with Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest public health insurance scheme, which has given millions of families financial protection and access to hospitals. Meanwhile, initiatives such as PM Awas Yojana and 100% rural electrification brought basic dignity and comfort to the poorest citizens.


These programs showcase Modi’s philosophy of turning welfare into empowerment—giving people not just assistance, but opportunities to build a better life.


National security

India’s standing as a strong and secure nation has grown significantly under Modi’s leadership. His government has modernized the armed forces, accelerated defense procurement, and invested in indigenous defense production.


When faced with cross-border aggression, Modi has displayed decisive resolve, as seen in the surgical strikes of 2016 and the Balakot airstrikes of 2019. These actions sent a strong message that India would not hesitate to defend its sovereignty.


Infrastructure along sensitive border regions has also been strengthened, ensuring preparedness and security in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.


A strong global voice

On the international stage, Narendra Modi has repositioned India as a key player in shaping global conversations. From hosting the G20 Summit to leading the International Solar Alliance, his diplomacy has highlighted India’s role as both a rising power and a responsible global leader.


His ability to forge strong personal relationships with world leaders has elevated India’s profile. At the same time, his insistence on being the “Voice of the Global South” has ensured that the concerns of developing nations are heard at the highest global forums. Today, India is seen as a bridge between East and West, North and South—a nation confident in its identity yet open to global partnerships.


Cultural pride

Alongside economic and political transformation, Modi has spearheaded a renaissance of India’s cultural and civilizational identity. His government has promoted Yoga and Ayurveda on the global stage, leading to the recognition of International Day of Yoga by the United Nations.


The completion of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, long awaited by millions, marked a milestone in India’s cultural resurgence. Investments in heritage restoration, spiritual tourism, and cultural diplomacy have given India new pride in its timeless traditions.

As Narendra Modi turns 75, his personal journey continues to inspire millions. Happy 75th Birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. May your journey continue to inspire generations and lead India toward an even brighter future.


(The writer is a BJP official based in Thane. Views personal.)

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