Congress Unleashes Final Campaign Surge in Nagpur
Hours before campaigning closed for Nagpur's civic elections, the Congress party launched a massive citywide offensive. The party rolled out energetic rallies and high-decibel roadshows across traditional strongholds. This aggressive last-day push aimed to mobilize voters and signal a determined comeback bid in the municipal corporation.
Senior Leaders Lead the Charge
Senior Congress leaders spearheaded the final blitz. MLA Nitin Raut, MLC Abhijeet Wanjari, and state chief spokesperson Atul Londhe took charge of the campaign efforts. They demonstrated the party's clear intent to regain lost ground in the civic body. Congress is determined to improve upon its 2017 tally of just 29 seats in the 151-member Nagpur Municipal Corporation.
The party deployed large crowds, loud processions, and an extensive cadre presence across all zones. Campaign activities spread through West, North, East, and South Nagpur. Major rallies concentrated in areas like Indira Matanagar and Shanti Nagar. Vehicular roadshows passed through Gittikhadan and pockets of South-West Nagpur, drawing sustained public attention on the final campaigning day.
Confident Claims from Ground Zero
"This time, we are getting an overwhelming response in most constituencies," MLA Nitin Raut told reporters. He made this statement after addressing rallies at Dhammadeep Nagar, Teka, and Lashkaribagh. Raut claimed a large chunk of voters who believe in the Constitution are standing with Congress. Expressing strong confidence about the election outcome, he added, "We are confident of winning over 70 seats."
Congress state spokesperson Atul Londhe echoed this positive assessment. He attributed the favorable ground mood to public fatigue with BJP's long tenure in the civic body. "People are fed up with 19 years of BJP misrule and want a change," Londhe stated firmly. He alleged that development under BJP reduced to "only cement roads." Londhe criticized the ruling party's performance after addressing rallies in East and South Nagpur.
Listing Civic Failures
Londhe pointed to several areas where he claimed the BJP failed Nagpur. "They miserably failed to create job opportunities," he asserted. The spokesperson also highlighted failure to bring major investment in MIHAN, the multi-modal international cargo hub. Basic issues like drinking water and sewage remained unresolved according to Congress leaders. Londhe called this situation very unfortunate, considering Nagpur boasts both a Union minister and the chief minister of Maharashtra.
As campaigning officially ended, MLC Abhijeet Wanjari shared his observations. He said the electorate appeared poised for a decisive shift. In a statement, Wanjari claimed voters had "clearly made up their minds." He believed they were ready to deliver a verdict for change after what he described as 19 years of BJP misrule.
Highlighting Civic Problems
Senior Congress leaders pointed to visible symbols of civic failure during their campaign. They cited Ambazari flood-related losses running into crores of rupees. Acute water scarcity across the city received repeated mention. Garbage accumulation in neighbourhoods became another talking point. Inflated water bills and a health system that "collapsed completely during Covid-19" rounded out their criticism of the current administration.
Framing the Election Stakes
Congress leaders framed this election as a crucial turning point for Nagpur. Another Congress leader from Prabhag 16, Rajesh Ghodmare, explained the sentiment to reporters. "Citizens have run out of patience," he stated. Ghodmare emphasized that this election transcends ordinary civic polls. "This election is not merely about choosing corporators," he declared. "It is a battle for Nagpur's future."
Enthusiastic Ground Response
On the ground, campaigners reported enthusiastic responses from residents. Shahnawaz Sheikh participated in Nitin Raut's rally and shared his observations. He said residents turned out in large numbers during the final push. "We received a huge response during the rally," Sheikh reported. "The campaign went well, and we are confident of putting up a good score in North Nagpur."
Sheikh also highlighted the dedication shown by senior leaders. "When such a senior leader goes door to door, you can see his dedication," he remarked. This personal touch appeared to resonate with voters according to party workers.
Massive Mobilization Efforts
The scale of Congress's final push became visible in multiple locations. In Gaddigodam's Railway Colony, Congress candidates from Prabhag 9 led a massive bike rally. Dozens of auto-rickshaws carrying party workers supported this mobilization. The sight of bikes and autos filled with enthusiastic workers created a visible show of strength. This demonstrated the party's organizational reach even in the campaign's final hours.
Across Nagpur's diverse constituencies, Congress workers maintained high energy until the very end. They connected with voters in markets, residential areas, and public spaces. The party's message focused on change, development, and addressing long-standing civic issues. As polling day approaches, Congress leaders expressed optimism about their improved prospects. They believe their aggressive final campaign push has created momentum for a significant electoral performance.
