Former BJP state president and guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated that the party's strong performance in the recent Nagpur district civic elections is a direct reflection of public trust in the double-engine government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Verdict Rooted in Development, Says Minister
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony in Ramgiri alongside CM Fadnavis and other legislators for the newly-elected presidents and office bearers, Bawankule emphasized that Sunday's electoral verdict was a mandate for development politics and long-term planning. He asserted that the people of Nagpur voted decisively for progress, placing a significant responsibility on the ruling party's shoulders to deliver.
"The people voted for development in Nagpur. They trusted the Modi-Fadnavis double-engine govt, and that trust now places a big responsibility on our shoulders," Bawankule remarked.
Roadmap for Nagpur's Future and Financial Backing
Linking the local body results to the BJP's broader vision for Maharashtra, Bawankule invoked the Chief Minister's long-term blueprint. He announced plans to create a dedicated development model for Nagpur, inspired by the Maharashtra Sankalp 2047 initiative.
"On the lines of Maharashtra Sankalp 2047 announced by the CM, we will prepare a similar development model for Nagpur for 2029, 2035, and 2047," he declared.
The minister credited Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for fundamentally transforming the region's infrastructure, laying the foundation for Nagpur to become an international city. On the financial front, Bawankule highlighted substantial investments, noting that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sanctioned Rs 6,500 crore this year for irrigation, roads, and other development works in Nagpur district. An additional Rs 1,250 crore was allocated through the District Planning Committee.
"This kind of financial backing is what translates promises into work on the ground," he added.
Organizational Strength and Future Battles
Bawankule attributed the victory in municipal council and nagar parishad polls to the party's disciplined organization and the relentless efforts of its workers, who campaigned until the early hours. With an eye on the future, he confirmed that the BJP has already begun preparations for the crucial Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections.
Expressing strong confidence, he assured that the BJP would secure the zilla parishad president's post in Nagpur with a two-thirds majority. However, he also acknowledged areas where the party fell short, specifically in Katol and Mohpa, stating the need for introspection and correction. In constituencies like Ramtek and Parseoni, the party contested as part of the Mahayuti alliance.
Framing the local body results as a stepping stone, the Kamptee MLA concluded that the BJP's immediate focus is on consolidating these gains to build momentum for larger electoral challenges ahead. "The people have given us confidence. Now we must convert it into sustained development and organisational strength," Bawankule said.
