Ashok Dhorajiya named Navsari’s first mayor

Surat: Navsari marked a milestone in its civic history on Tuesday with the appointment of its first mayor, deputy mayor and other key office-bearers after the formation of the Navsari Municipal Corporation (NMC).

BJP councillor Ashok Dhorajiya was declared the first mayor of the newly formed civic body during the inaugural general meeting of elected corporators held at the Town Hall under the chairmanship of Municipal Commissioner Jayesh Upadhyay.

Navsari was granted municipal corporation status by the state govt in Jan 2025 following its transition from the Navsari-Vijalpore municipality. In the first civic election after the upgrade, the BJP reinforced its dominance by winning 50 of the 52 seats.

Before the general meeting, the party mandate issued by the state BJP leadership was opened at the district BJP office by district president Bhuralal Shah. The names of office-bearers for the next two-and-a-half-year term were subsequently announced and approved unopposed at the general body meeting.

Alongside Dhorajiya, Keyuri Desai was elected deputy mayor. Mukesh Agrawal was appointed chairman of the standing committee, Naresh Purohit was named leader of the ruling party, while Rakesh Patel took charge as party whip. All appointments were made unopposed.

Senior BJP leaders and Municipal Commissioner Upadhyay congratulated the newly elected office-bearers by presenting bouquets after the meeting.

Dhorajiya’s appointment is being seen as recognition of his long association with the BJP and organisational work spanning over four decades. A loyal party worker for 42 years, he previously served as BJP president of the Navsari-Valsad district and is credited with strengthening the party’s grassroots network in the region.

Beyond politics, Dhorajiya has remained involved in social and educational activities. He serves as president of the Veervadi Hanumanji Temple Trust and has been associated with initiatives supporting education for tribal girls.

After assuming office, Dhorajiya said his focus would be on accelerating Navsari’s overall development and improving core civic infrastructure and public amenities for residents.