Rahul Shewale re-elected as BMC standing panel chairman

Rahul Shewale, 40, a corporator from Trombay, was, on Friday, elected as the chairman of the 27-member standing committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for the fourth time in a row.

Rahul Shewale, 40, a corporator from Trombay, was, on Friday, elected as the chairman of the 27-member standing committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for the fourth time in a row.

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The standing committee is the most important civic committee as it sanctions development projects and controls the financial decisions of the civic body that has a budget of Rs. 27,578 crore. Winning the standing committee election is important for the Shiv Sena as it is considered a vital seat of power, second only to mayor.

When he took charge for the first time in 2010, Shewale was the youngest elected chairman in the civic history. On Friday, he equalled his tenure with his immediate predecessor, Ravindra Waikar who also served for four consecutive years in a row.

Shewale received 15 of the 27 votes, while eight votes went to Jyotsana Dighe (Congress).

Shewale said, “I will ensure better drainage system during monsoon, 24-hour water supply and improvement in roads and health services.”

Meanwhile, chairmanship of the education standing committee was taken over by BJP corporator from Mulund Manoj Kotak.