In a dramatic turn of events ahead of the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) elections, several disgruntled party workers who had rebelled against their parties' choices went deliberately "unreachable" on Friday. This strategic move was to avoid last-minute pressure from party leaders, as it was the final day for the withdrawal of nominations.
Rebellion Rooted in Alleged Neglect
The rebellion has cut across major political parties, including the BJP, Shiv Sena, Congress, and the NCP. At the heart of the discontent is a widespread allegation that loyal workers, who have served their parties for decades, are being sidelined in favor of newcomers. The rebels claim this is often due to factors like financial status or perceived lack of influence.
One such defiant candidate, Madhavi Patil from Ward 20, voiced the frustration of many. "The party relies on loyal workers to draw crowds, but when it comes to rewarding them, they are sidelined," she said. Having made the decision to rebel, Patil firmly refused to withdraw her nomination despite the pressure.
The Final Numbers and Notable Withdrawals
After a hectic day of withdrawals, the electoral landscape for KMC has crystallized. Initially, a total of 813 nomination papers were filed. Following the withdrawal of 274 candidates, 543 candidates now remain in the fray across the 81 corporator wards.
The elections will be held for 20 wards of the municipal corporation. Wards 1 to 19 will elect four members each, while Ward 20 will elect five members.
The list of those who stepped back includes several prominent local figures:
- Former KMC mayor Hasina Faras
- Former corporator Mayadevi Bhandare
- Former standing committee chairman Indrajit Salgar
- Former corporator Rahul Chavan
- Krishnaraj Mahadik, son of Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik
Other significant withdrawals came from NCP candidates, including Yogita Kodolikar, Shruti Amit Patil, Geeta Ajit Tivade, and Kiran Ramchandra Majgaonkar, among others.
Party Leadership's Response and Assurances
Reacting to the rebellion and the subsequent reconciliations, MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar acknowledged the challenges of candidate selection. He stated that while everyone has the right to seek candidature, tough decisions are sometimes necessary after considering party surveys and local dynamics.
"Those who were capable but not selected should not feel wronged or disheartened," Kshirsagar said. He sought to placate the workers who fell in line by assuring them of fair treatment in the future.
The assurance package includes appointments to various positions in state and district-level corporations and committees. Promises have also been made for roles as nominated corporators in the KMC and positions on important committees like education and transport in the near future.
As the stage is now set, the focus shifts to the campaign trail, with the unresolved grievances of the rebels adding a layer of internal tension within the major political camps contesting the crucial civic polls.
