Mumbai Mayoral Race: Women-Only General Category Election Triggers Political Buzz

• For the first time in the current term, Mumbai's mayoral race is exclusively for women from the general category, sparking heightened political activity.
• The mayor's post in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is for 2.5 years, with a new mayor elected internally at the half-term mark.
• Reservation categories for the mayoral post are decided by a draw of lots conducted by the Maharashtra Urban Development Department, ensuring rotational representation.
• The 74th Constitutional Amendment and the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, govern the reservation system, including Scheduled Castes, Tribes, OBCs, women, and general categories.
• Despite being the 'first citizen' with symbolic power and oversight of key committees, the mayor's remuneration is nominal (Rs 6,000 basic, up to Rs 75,000 with allowances), but includes significant perks like a heritage bungalow and official vehicle.

Why It Matters: Mumbai's mayoral election is now reserved for general category women, highlighting the unique rotational system.