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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.

Iceland’s Political Upheaval: A Snap Election Amid Policy Disagreements

Iceland’s Political Upheaval: A Snap Election Amid Policy Disagreements

Iceland, a small island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean near the Arctic Circle between Greenland and Norway, is one of the most geographically isolated countries in Europe. Its tiny population, with just over 370,000 inhabitants, is a stark contrast to India’s population of over 1.4 billion. Geographically, Iceland covers an area of approximately 1 lakh square kilometres, making it much smaller than India, which spans around 33 lakh square kilometers. Iceland is known for its stunning landscapes, active volcanoes, and pioneering use of geothermal energy.


This tiny island nation is now unexpectedly heading towards a snap election, a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape. Internal disputes within the coalition government led to its collapse on 13th October. Prime Minister of Iceland Bjarni Benediktsson announced the dissolution of the government, setting the stage for elections taking place on 30th November. The election comes at a time when Iceland faces critical challenges—ranging from economic uncertainty to complex debates over immigration and energy policy.


The Collapse of the Coalition

The current political crisis in Iceland stems from deep divisions within the three-party coalition government, which has been in place since 2021. The coalition comprised the conservative Independence Party (led by Benediktsson), the centrist Progressive Party, and the left-leaning Left-Green Movement. Though these parties initially found common ground, the disagreements on key issues, particularly immigration and energy policy, became irreconcilable.


Prime Minister Benediktsson stated that it was impossible to move forward given the lack of unity on critical policies. He highlighted the growing rift on matters that impact Iceland’s future, such as how to manage the inflow of immigrants and the development of Iceland’s renewable energy sector. This division ultimately left the coalition unable to provide coherent leadership, prompting Benediktsson to request the dissolution of the parliament.


Key Contenders in the Election

Several political parties will compete in the upcoming election, representing different ideologies and policy proposals. The major contenders include:


Independence Party (Centre-right): Prime Minister Benediktsson’s party remains one of the leading forces. They focus on economic stability, conservative immigration policies, and energy resource development. Despite the collapse of the coalition, Benediktsson is expected to be the PM candidate once again.


Progressive Party (Centrist): Led by Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, this party traditionally champions rural and agricultural issues. The party is known for its pragmatic approach to governance and is expected to play a key role in the election.


Left-Green Movement (Centre-left): The Left-Green Movement advocates for environmental sustainability and a more progressive stance on immigration. Its departure from the coalition was driven by disagreements over energy policy and the handling of asylum seekers.


Pirate Party (Syncretic): Known for its focus on digital rights and transparency, the Pirate Party could attract voters disillusioned with the traditional parties.


Social Democratic Alliance (Centre-left): Another significant player, this party pushes for stronger social welfare policies and is expected to appeal to voters seeking more inclusive economic reforms.


Key Issues at Stake

The upcoming election will centre on several crucial issues that have divided Iceland’s political landscape:


Immigration Policy: One of the most contentious points of debate is how Iceland should handle immigration and asylum seekers. The Independence Party advocates for stricter controls, while the Left-Green Movement and other progressive parties call for more open and humanitarian policies. This divide reflects broader European discussions on immigration.


Energy Policy: Iceland, a leader in renewable energy due to its geothermal and hydroelectric resources, is also facing internal debates on how to develop these resources further. The Independence Party and its allies support expanding energy projects, while the Left-Green Movement is more cautious, focusing on sustainability and environmental protection.


Economic Recovery and Inflation: Like many other nations, Iceland is grappling with inflation, partly driven by recent volcanic eruptions and disruptions to public life in the country’s southwest. Voters will be looking for parties that can address these economic challenges effectively.


Iceland’s Role in Europe

Although Iceland is not a member of the European Union, it is part of the European Economic Area (EEA), maintaining close ties with the EU, particularly in trade and regulatory matters. The outcome of this election could influence Iceland’s approach to its relationships within Europe, particularly concerning energy markets and immigration policy.


The outcome of Iceland’s snap election on 30 November remains uncertain, as major parties compete for dominance after the coalition government’s collapse. The election’s results will not only shape Iceland’s future but may also influence its position within the broader European context, particularly in areas like immigration and energy policy.


(The author is a foreign affairs expert. Views personal.)

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