Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (MB)

Mumbai, Mar 10: For the first in the history of civic administration, Mumbai now has a woman mayor, besides also having a woman deputy mayor.

File pic of Dr Shubha Raul and Vidya Thakur, elected mayor and deputy mayor respectively (Pic Rons Bantwal)

Dr Shubha Raul, an OBC corporator of Shiv Sena from Borivali and an Ayurvedic physician practising in Dahisar, has become the mayor.

The Mayoral elections were a mere formality as there was a clear majority for the Shiv Sena-BJP combine in the 227 member house. While the Shiv Sena has 84 members, it has the support of BJP with 24 corporators. While Congress has 71 and NCP has 14, they could not match the new ruling combine, in spite of independents' and other factions' support.

Shital Mhater of Congress was other candidate in the fray for the mayor's post. BJP's Vidya Thakur had NCP's Bharti Pisal as her rival for the deputy's post. The election venue, the BMC headquartes opposite CST, was provided with heavy security.

The Shiv Sena-BJP combine is expected to take control of the most of the committees which include standing committees.