BJP, Shinde Sena Seek Pednekar’s Suspension Over Disputed Bal Thackeray Remark

Overview

• The BMC’s general body erupted Thursday after opposition leader Kishori Pednekar was accused of saying a party had “bought Balasaheb Thackeray,” and the mayor adjourned the meeting.
• BJP leader of the House Ganesh Khankar demanded an apology and sought her suspension under Rule 36A of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, and Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi said he would move a suspension proposal.
• Standing committee chair Prabhakar Shinde moved an adjournment motion after Pednekar declined to apologise.
• Pednekar said her words were misread and insisted she was referring to Thackeray’s thoughts rather than to him personally.
• Mayor Ritu Tawde said general-body meetings will stream live on the BMC’s YouTube channel starting Friday, while the suspension request remains pending during 2026–27 budget talks and a split between rival Sena factions.