Mumbai: With Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis flying out to Davos for the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) preparing
for a key lottery that will decide the reservation category of the Mayor’s post, the next few days are set to be crucial but far from decisive. Sources say discussions around power-sharing in the BMC are likely to stretch through the month, as parties wait for clarity on whether the Mayor’s chair goes to the open category, SC/ST, OBC or women.
Mayor’s Post Category Lottery Likely on January 22
A lottery to determine the category of the Mayor’s post is expected to be held on January 22, as per a TOI report. Once the category is decided, a formal notification will be issued either the same day or a day later.However, the election process will still require time, as a seven-day notice period is mandatory.
“If the notification is issued on Jan 22 then the mayoral election will be held on Jan 29 or 30. If it is issued on Jan 23, elections will be held on Jan 30/31,” report said.
Fadnavis Leaves for WEF; Decision on Mayor Still Pending
Fadnavis left for Davos on Sunday to attend the WEF annual meeting and will return to India on January 24, according to sources.Earlier, Fadnavis had indicated that the Mayor’s decision would be taken collectively. He was responding to Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut’s remark that “God willing” it could be a Sena mayor. In reply, Fadnavis said, “God willing” may have different meanings. On a sarcastic note, he said he did not know whether Raut was referring to God above or to him since he is also called “Devabhau.”
WEF 2026 Begins in Davos: Maharashtra Eyes Big Investments
The World Economic Forum’s 56th annual meeting, scheduled from January 19 to 23, will bring together nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries.
On his arrival in Davos, Fadnavis interacted with Marathi people present there. He will remain in Davos until January 24.
Fadnavis said WEF 2026 will play an important role in moving Maharashtra towards a $1 trillion economy. He pointed to last year’s results, saying Maharashtra signed investment agreements worth Rs 16 lakh crore, and added that the state government is now targeting even more investments this year.
The CM is accompanied by Industries Minister Uday Samant and senior officials. A press release said the delegation will focus on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), job-generating industrial projects and wider development through meetings and discussions with global industry groups, investors and policy makers.
