The nomination process for the crucial Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections gathered pace on Wednesday, with three more aspirants throwing their hats into the ring. This marked the second day of the filing process, bringing the total number of candidates who have submitted their papers to four.
Strong Response in Nomination Form Sales
A significant indicator of the contest's intensity is the sale of nomination forms. On Wednesday alone, a robust 1,942 forms were sold across the city's 31 wards. Combined with the 1,763 forms sold on the first day (Tuesday, December 23), the cumulative figure has reached an impressive 3,705 forms. The civic body is issuing forms for all 122 seats.
Ward-Wise Breakdown and Christmas Break
According to officials from the Nashik Municipal Corporation, the three candidates who filed on Wednesday came from specific reserved wards. One candidate submitted her nomination from Ward No. 2(A), a seat reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) women. The other two candidates filed their papers from Ward No. 11(C), which is reserved for Other Backward Class (OBC) women.
The process will see a brief pause on Thursday, December 25, due to Christmas. However, election authorities anticipate a significant surge in candidates submitting their nominations starting Friday, as the deadline draws closer.
Political Alliances in Seat-Sharing Talks
While individual candidates are moving forward, the major political blocs are still negotiating behind the scenes. Both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) have not yet finalized their seat-sharing arrangements for the NMC polls.
Within the MVA, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have reached a consensus on distributing seats between themselves. However, their discussions with alliance partners Congress and the NCP (SP) have hit a roadblock. Reports suggest the latter two parties are insisting on a higher number of seats to contest. Politicians from both major alliances are expected to wrap up these critical negotiations within the next two days.
Election Machinery in Place
Nashik Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri has already appointed the officials who will oversee the electoral process. Ten returning officers and thirty assistant returning officers have been tasked with supervising the elections to ensure a smooth and fair process.
Key Dates for the Nashik Civic Polls
The election schedule is firmly set, with several important deadlines approaching:
- Last Date for Filing Nominations: December 29 (Forms can be submitted between 11 AM and 3 PM).
- Scrutiny of Nominations: December 31.
- Withdrawal Deadline: January 2.
- Final List of Candidates: To be published on January 3.
- Date of Voting: January 15, for all 122 seats.
- Counting of Votes: January 16.
With the nomination window open and political negotiations reaching a climax, Nashik is poised for a keenly watched municipal election that will shape the city's governance for the coming term.
