The stage is set for a highly complex and unpredictable election for the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) on January 15. The electoral battlefield across the city's wards is characterized by a fascinating mix, with a mere handful of direct contests overshadowed by a large number of multi-cornered fights that could splinter votes and reshape outcomes.
A Rarity: The Two Straight Fights
In a surprising development, only two wards in the entire city will witness a direct, two-way contest between major political rivals. These emerged after last-minute withdrawals by other candidates. Ward 5(B) in Panchavati is now a straight fight between the BJP's Chandrakala Dhumal and Shiv Sena's Mandakini Wagh. This happened after Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Kavita Avhad and three independents withdrew their nominations post-scrutiny.
Similarly, in Ward 7(B) in Nashik West, the withdrawal of six independent candidates on the final day has paved the way for a direct clash. Here, BJP's former standing committee chairperson Himgauri Aher will take on Shiv Sena's Rohini Shirsat.
Triangular Tussles Dominate the Landscape
While straight fights are rare, triangular contests are defining the electoral narrative in key pockets of the city. A total of 18 wards are set for three-cornered battles, which analysts say signal volatile and highly unpredictable results in several segments of the civic body.
Out of these 18 triangular fights, a significant pattern emerges in 14 wards where the BJP is pitted against both factions of the Shiv Sena – the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Political observers believe this split in the traditional Sena vote bank could potentially benefit the BJP, making these contests crucial for the final tally.
This trend holds particular importance in areas like Panchavati, where the BJP had secured 19 out of 24 seats in the 2017 civic polls and is now aiming to defend its stronghold against a divided opposition.
Varied Combinations and High-Profile Battles
The complexity extends beyond the BJP-Sena dynamics. Four other wards feature unique triangular combinations:
- Ward 12C: BJP vs NCP vs Independent
- Ward 13B: BJP vs Shiv Sena vs MNS
- Ward 24C: BJP vs Shiv Sena vs NCP
- Ward 20B: BJP vs Shiv Sena vs NCP (SP)
These varied alliances underscore the extreme unpredictability of vote splits, which could dramatically reshape outcomes in closely contested areas. Adding to the list of high-profile triangular fights is Ward 9C, where former BJP corporator Dinkar Patil faces UBT's Kaveri Kandekar and Shiv Sena's Gulab Mali.
The remaining 102 wards feature four or more candidates, further increasing the potential for significant vote fragmentation. As the campaign enters its final stretch, all major players – the BJP and both Sena factions – are intensifying their efforts. They are acutely aware that even minor shifts in voter preference could swing results in these tightly contested seats.
With this intricate mix of a few direct fights and a overwhelming number of multi-cornered battles, the 2026 NMC election is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and closely watched civic polls Nashik has witnessed in recent years.
