In a bold move ahead of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has opted for a significant overhaul of its candidate list, sidelining several senior corporators and long-time party workers in favour of fresh faces. The party's city president, Dayashankar Tiwari, asserts this strategy is aimed at injecting new energy into the organisation and securing a winning edge.
Rationale Behind the Rejuvenation Drive
Addressing concerns that denying tickets to established figures could hurt the party, Tiwari, in an exclusive interview, framed the change as a positive catalyst. He emphasised that new candidates attract new supporters while retaining the old voter base, thereby strengthening the party's continuity. The selected candidates are tasked with engaging all party workers in their respective wards, including those who aspired for the ticket, to ensure no one feels marginalised.
Tiwari clarified that the massive overhaul was driven by a focus on commitment and performance rather than political legacy. He cited the example of Nidhi Telgote, who, despite often being referred to as "someone's daughter," earned her candidature through substantial grassroots work as the youth wing in-charge and her roles in the media cell, PR, and research.
The party is also fielding a 24-year-old IT engineer from the Satnami (Dalit) community of Chhattisgarh, signalling a long-term investment in young leadership. Tiwari stated that these new entrants, expected to lead for the next 15–20 years, bring fresh ideas and dedicated energy to the forefront.
Alliance Strategy and Managing Discontent
On the crucial question of alliances, Tiwari explained that the BJP has reached a systematic understanding with the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) after multiple meetings and a thorough vetting process. However, an alliance with the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) did not materialise. He attributed this to the NCP's last-minute approach and an unrealistic demand for 40 seats in Nagpur, where their presence is minimal. Tiwari termed the decision as "practical politics," aimed at avoiding voter confusion and providing a clear choice.
Regarding the recent vandalism at the NCP office, Tiwari suggested that not having an alliance helped the BJP avoid being dragged into unnecessary controversy, prioritising organisational stability over short-term optics.
Pacifying the Disgruntled Cadre
Acknowledging the anger among some ticket aspirants who have taken to social media or refused booth-level work, Tiwari outlined a proactive mitigation plan. The party has deployed its four candidates in each ward to personally meet with disappointed aspirants, visit their homes, and explain the selection rationale. The core message being reinforced is that party work is a year-round, collective effort, not limited to election seasons. The combined efforts of candidates, local leaders, and families are being leveraged to maintain unity at the ward level.
In his closing message to voters and workers, Tiwari projected confidence. He stated that the BJP is entering the electoral fray with renewed energy and a blend of experience and youth, promising continued delivery on development and strengthened public trust, rooted in the party's culture.
