In a significant political development ahead of the crucial civic body elections, the Congress party in Nagpur has been dealt a severe blow with the defection of one of its senior leaders. Four-time corporator Manoj Sable, along with his wife Harshala, formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday. This move marks the second major exit from the Congress ranks to the saffron party within a single week, highlighting deepening internal discord.
A Pattern of Defections Signals Internal Unrest
This is not an isolated incident but part of a worrying trend for the Congress leadership in the city. Just days earlier, former West Nagpur corporator Darshani Dhawad also switched allegiance to the BJP. Political observers see these consecutive defections as a clear signal of widespread disquiet and dissatisfaction among a section of Congress workers and representatives. The primary grievance appears to be centered around the contentious process of ticket distribution for the upcoming municipal polls.
The Seat Allocation Flashpoint
Manoj Sable, who has been a consistent winner representing the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) since 2002, cited feeling sidelined by the party leadership as the key reason for his dramatic exit. He expressed frustration that his proven electoral record was being ignored. "If the party ignores my continuous victories, I have no option but to move on," Sable stated, underscoring his disappointment.
Sources within the party revealed that the immediate trigger for Sable's resignation was a dispute over seat allocation in his stronghold. The city Congress leadership was reportedly planning to field former corporator Yogesh, popularly known as Guddu Tiwari, from Sable's own Prabhag 17. This decision came after Tiwari's original seat, Prabhag 16, was moved into the reserved category. Despite strong objections from Sable, senior Congress leaders remained firm on accommodating Tiwari from his constituency, leaving Sable with little choice but to quit.
Implications for the Upcoming Civic Polls
The defection of a seasoned and electorally successful corporator like Manoj Sable is a substantial gain for the BJP and a corresponding loss for the Congress. It not only boosts the BJP's local cadre but also potentially weakens the Congress's prospects in the affected wards. The incident exposes the challenges the grand old party faces in managing its local leadership and maintaining unity ahead of high-stakes elections. The Nagpur civic polls are set to become a key battleground, and such internal rifts could significantly impact the final outcome, handing an advantage to the well-organized BJP machinery in the city.
