In a significant political move, the Indian National Congress has decided to contest the upcoming Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections independently, forgoing potential alliances. The party has unveiled its candidate list, which includes the re-nomination of five of its sitting corporators, while dropping some incumbents and witnessing others exit the party.
Congress Bets on Cadre Strength in Solo Bid
The decision to go solo comes after the party held seat-sharing discussions with potential allies, including the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar). However, these talks ultimately failed to yield an agreement. Congress is now banking on its perceived cadre strength across Nagpur city to secure a victory. This marks a strategic shift, especially after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) posted strong results in recent semi-urban local body elections declared on December 21, 2023.
Political observers had anticipated that Congress might push harder for an alliance to prevent vote-splitting in light of BJP's performance. Yet, the party leadership has chosen to contest all seats independently, signaling confidence in its ground-level organization.
Familiar Faces and New Dynamics
From its tally of 29 seats won in the 2017 civic polls, Congress has chosen to re-nominate five sitting corporators. The re-nominated candidates are Sanjay Mahakalkar, Bhavna Lonare, Dinesh Yadav, Parasram Manvatar, and Manoj Gawande. Sanjay Mahakalkar, a three-time corporator now seeking a fourth term, emphasized the party's retained voter base.
"People want to get rid of the corruption plaguing the city," Mahakalkar stated. "Across many areas, residents have complained about poor infrastructure. They want change, and Congress will provide it." Meanwhile, some other incumbents were dropped, while a few found a 'shadow' presence through family members contesting from their former wards.
A Battle to Regain Lost Ground
For the Congress, these civic polls represent a crucial attempt to regain political ground ceded to the BJP in recent elections. The party's campaign is heavily centered on highlighting civic failures and alleged corruption under the current administration.
Senior corporator Praful Gudadhe-Patil echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in the party's prospects. "Our cadres are energised and there is a clear wave for change," he said. "Corruption in the civic body is visible, with bad roads, monsoon flooding and unresolved civic issues." The party claims it has not compromised on its principles and is presenting itself as the alternative for change-seeking voters in Nagpur.
The stage is now set for a direct contest in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, with Congress aiming to leverage public discontent over local issues to stage a comeback against a dominant BJP.
