In a fiery public address, senior Congress leader and legislature party chief Vijay Wadettiwar launched a scathing critique against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Mahayuti alliance. He made a direct appeal to the electorate to vote out the BJP from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) in the forthcoming civic body elections.
A Call to Uproot the 'Poisonous Creeper'
Addressing a spirited rally in Nagpur's ward 18 on Saturday, Wadettiwar did not mince words. He framed the upcoming municipal battle as a fight for the soul of the state and nation. The Congress stalwart labeled the BJP as a "poisonous creeper" that must be cut down to save Maharashtra and India. He asserted that the process of removal should begin right from the NMC polls.
Drawing a sharp ideological line, Wadettiwar declared that true followers of the Congress ideology were the real patriots. In contrast, he accused the present rulers of deliberately "spreading poison in people's minds in the name of religion." His speech was a clarion call for voters to rally behind Congress candidates to initiate this political cleansing.
Sharp Criticism on Development and Civic Issues
Shifting focus to local governance, Wadettiwar raised serious questions about Nagpur's development trajectory under BJP leadership. He specifically targeted Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio and is a key figure from the region. Wadettiwar alleged rampant corruption in the Smart City projects, claiming that "only commissions were taken" under its name, with little tangible benefit for citizens.
His critique extended to the day-to-day civic conditions in Nagpur. With biting sarcasm, he commented on the city's sanitation standards. "The state of cleanliness in Nagpur is such that one could even organise a 'healthy mosquito' competition here," he said, painting a vivid picture of civic neglect and administrative failure.
The Stakes for Nagpur's Political Future
The public rally and the strong rhetoric signal the Congress party's intent to mount a vigorous campaign for the Nagpur civic polls. By directly attacking the BJP's governance record and its ideological stance, Wadettiwar has set the stage for a highly charged electoral contest. The appeal to voters frames the election not just as a local body poll, but as a crucial step in a larger political struggle.
With allegations of corruption in development works and a failing civic infrastructure, the Congress is aiming to capitalize on potential voter discontent. The outcome in Nagpur, a city of immense political symbolism, could have significant reverberations for the political landscape in Maharashtra.
