With just one day remaining before campaigning ends at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, political parties and candidates in Nashik and Kolhapur launched into a frenzied final push on Monday. They aimed to sway voters ahead of the January 15 municipal corporation elections.
Nashik City's Triangular Contest Heats Up
In Nashik city, the campaign reached a fever pitch with rallies, extensive door-to-door canvassing, and a strong social media presence. The election is shaping up as a three-way battle. The Bharatiya Janata Party is contesting independently, just as it did in the 2017 polls. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde has formed an alliance with the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party. The Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, which includes Shiv Sena (UBT), the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Congress, and NCP (SP), is also competing vigorously.
A total of 735 candidates are vying for 122 seats across 31 wards. This includes 208 independent candidates. Parties used the remaining hours to organize chowk sabhas, road shows, and targeted door-to-door campaigns in key neighborhoods.
BJP Focuses on Cidco Division
Former MLA Apoorva Hiray campaigned actively for BJP candidates in Ward 29, located within the Cidco division. His wife, Yogita Hiray, is also contesting from the same ward on a BJP ticket. Other prominent BJP figures joined the effort. Deepak Badgujar, son of former MLA Sudhakar Badgujar, along with Bhushan Rane and former corporator Chhaya Devang, appealed to voters. They emphasized supporting the party for the "development of the ward."
Later in the evening, Water Resources Minister and senior BJP leader Girish Mahajan addressed a public rally at Pawan Nagar. This move reinforced BJP's focus on the Cidco division, an area traditionally considered a stronghold of the Shiv Sena.
Shiv Sena-NCP Alliance Intensifies Outreach
The Shiv Sena-NCP alliance also ramped up its efforts across Nashik. Former corporator Hemlata Patil, who is contesting from Ward 7 on an NCP ticket, stated, "We tried to reach as many voters as possible." She campaigned alongside NCP candidate Seema Thakre, wife of Nashik city NCP chief Ranjan Thakre, and Shiv Sena candidates Sameer Kamble and Smita Patodkar. Together, they visited numerous households, appealing for votes under the alliance banner.
In the old city area of Nashik West division, Congress candidate Vatsala Khaire teamed up with UBT candidate Sanjay Chavan for intensive door-to-door canvassing. Deputy leader of Shiv Sena, Ajay Boraste, led a vibrant road show through the streets of Ward 7 in Nashik West. The event drew large crowds and energized party workers, who gathered with flags and banners. Social media teams further amplified the campaign by sharing live videos and frequent updates.
Kolhapur's Expanded Ward Structure Poses Challenges
In Kolhapur, candidates employed a mix of corner rallies, ward trails, door-to-door drives, and social media platforms to reach the maximum number of voters. The Kolhapur Municipal Corporation has expanded its wards due to the new four-member ward structure. This expansion has made it particularly challenging for independent candidates to connect with all voters simultaneously.
More than 75 independent candidates are in the fray. Some have chosen to campaign alone, adopting the stance of 'Ekla Chalo Re.' Others have joined forces, forming panels to strengthen their campaigns. Such panels of independent candidates have been established in nine wards. For instance, one panel of four independent candidates is contesting in Ward 11.
Independent Candidates Present Themselves as Alternatives
Independent candidate Vijay Darwan explained their strategy. "We started seeking votes by presenting ourselves as a viable alternative to voters who are tired of party politics," he said.
Another independent candidate, Prajakta Mali, expressed optimism about voter sentiment. "Voters, tired of partisan politics, will think positively of independent candidates. If political parties can jump from one alliance to another, then why can't we come together for the development of the city?" she questioned. This sentiment highlights a growing desire among some candidates and voters for change beyond traditional party lines.
As the clock ticks down to the end of campaigning, both Nashik and Kolhapur are witnessing a final, intense burst of political activity. Candidates are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to secure votes in these crucial municipal elections.
