Mumbai is holding its breath as the Maharashtra Urban Development Department prepares to draw lots to decide the reservation category for the city’s next Mayor — a move that will immediately reshape the power game inside the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Although the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has already crossed the majority mark in the civic body, the final choice of Mumbai’s “First Citizen” remains frozen until the lottery is completed. The draw, scheduled to take place at the state secretariat, is expected to determine which social category will be eligible to contest the mayoral post this term.

The uncertainty has stalled intense behind-the-scenes negotiations, with political parties waiting for clarity before projecting their candidates. While the ruling alliance holds a numerical advantage in the 227-member BMC, the reservation outcome could significantly narrow the field of eligible contenders.

The lottery system is mandated by constitutional provisions designed to ensure social inclusion in local governance. By rotating leadership positions among different categories, the process aims to prevent dominance by any one group and promote representation across communities.

Under Maharashtra’s civic laws, the mayoral post rotates among Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, women candidates, and the open category. Depending on the draw, only corporators meeting the specified criteria will be allowed to contest.

The draw itself is conducted in a highly controlled and transparent manner. Officials prepare sealed slips representing eligible categories and place them in a container. To avoid any allegation of manipulation, a neutral hand — often a child — is asked to pick the final slip. The selected category is then formally notified by the Urban Development Department.

Once the reservation is officially announced, the Municipal Commissioner will convene a special meeting of all elected corporators. The Mayor will be chosen through a straightforward voting process, with the winning candidate needing the support of more than half the House.