Samant, who is known to be close to Chief Minister Narayan Rane, was in Malvan campaigning for Rane during the recent Assembly polls. Sena insiders said Rane had promised Samant the KDMC mayorship for his loyalty.

The Sena-Independents sit on the ruling benches and the BJP along with the Congress and NCP sits in the opposition in the KDMC. The following is the configuration of the House: Sena-40, I-7, BJP-23, Congress-10 and NCP-6.

Except for Vijay Mhatre, Sridhar Mhatre and Baluram Gawli of the NCP, all the other NCP and Congress members abstained from voting in both the mayoral and deputy mayoral elections. Three NCP votes turned out invalid in both elections.

Javed Jaune Ghulam Mohammed Ambiya (I) was elected deputy mayor, defeating Prakash Bhurke of the BJP. While the former secured 47votes, the latter got 23.

Both the Sena and BJP declared their leaders in the House today. While Ashok alias Kaka Mandale has been chosen as the Sena's House leader, Ajit Nadkarni has been made the party's chief whip. The BJP chose Padmakar Lohakare as its leader in the House.

Elections for the standing committee chief will be held tomorrow.