BJP Symbol Worn by Bhiwandi Mayor Sparks Speculation; Chaudhary Denies Rejoining Party

Bhiwandi Mayor Narayan Chaudhary sparked political speculation after wearing the BJP's lotus symbol at a Ganeshotsav programme attended by Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan on Wednesday. The symbol was placed on Chaudhary's chest by BJP group leader Santosh Shetty during the event.

Chaudhary, who was elected mayor in February with backing from Congress and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) through the Bhiwandi Secular Front, has denied any return to the BJP. He explained that he attended the programme in his capacity as city's first citizen to welcome Chavan, and did not remove the symbol out of respect. He maintained he remains the Secular Front mayor.

Chaudhary had emerged as the Secular Front's mayoral candidate after differences over the BJP's nomination. He won with 48 votes, defeating Konark Vikas Aghadi's Vilas Patil (25 votes) and BJP's Sneha Patil (16 votes), supported by 42 Congress-NCP corporators and six BJP corporators.