A surge of political activity gripped Nashik on Monday as prominent hopefuls from major parties rushed to submit their nomination papers for the upcoming civic polls. This flurry of submissions occurred despite the ruling Mahayuti and opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances failing to finalize their official candidate lists and seat-sharing agreements by the 3 pm deadline on the same day.
Last-Minute Filings Amid Alliance Uncertainty
Throughout the day, electoral offices across the city witnessed a steady stream of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena aspirants, accompanied by large, enthusiastic groups of supporters. The list of notable figures who filed their papers included former city mayor Ranjana Bhansi, Shiv Sena deputy leader Ajay Boraste, and former corporator Vilas Shinde. Other key entrants were BJP leader Dinkar Patil, Ajinkya Pharande—son of BJP MLA Devyani Pharande—and former BJP corporator Himgauri Aher.
In a display of political confidence, several candidates filed nominations even without receiving the mandatory 'A' and 'B' forms from their respective parties, banking on last-minute approvals. Dinkar Patil, who had briefly joined the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) during last year's assembly polls before returning to the BJP, led a rally of supporters to file from Ward 9. Similarly, in the Nashik West division's Ward 7, Yogesh (Munna) Hiray, the brother-in-law of MLA Seema Hiray, entered the fray for the BJP without the essential forms.
Key Contests Across Nashik Wards
The nomination process highlighted several wards poised for high-stakes contests. In Satpur, former Shiv Sena corporator Vilas Shinde led a bike rally before submitting his nomination from Ward 8. Ward 7 will see a multi-cornered fight with Satyam Khandale (MNS) and Madhukar Hingmire (Shiv Sena UBT) also in the race.
The Panchavati area's Ward 5 saw nominations from former BJP corporators Kamlesh Bodke and Nandini Bodke, along with former deputy mayor Gurumit Bagga. Ward 12 emerged as a high-profile battleground with entries from Seema Thakre, wife of NCP (SP) city chief Ranjan Thakre; Nupur Savaji, daughter of BJP state spokesperson Laxman Savji; former corporator Samir Kamble (Shiv Sena); and former BJP corporator Shivaji Gangurde.
Final Day and Election Schedule
With Tuesday, December 30, being the final day for filing nominations, more prominent names are expected to join the race. Both alliances are anticipated to finalize their candidate lists by Tuesday morning, leading to a potential second wave of filings before the 2 pm deadline.
The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections will be held for 122 seats on January 15. The counting of votes is scheduled for January 16. The electoral timeline is as follows:
- Last date for nomination filing: December 30 (2 PM)
- Scrutiny of nominations: December 31
- Publication of valid nominations: After scrutiny
- Last date for withdrawal of candidature: January 2
- Final list of contesting candidates: January 3
The intense last-minute nomination activity underscores the competitive nature of the upcoming civic polls, with candidates seeking to secure their position despite the unresolved seat-sharing equations between alliance partners. The final candidate lists will set the stage for a keenly watched election that will shape Nashik's urban governance.
