Nagpur's Prabhag 6, encompassing the localities of Mahendranagar, Ekta Colony, and Yadav Nagar, stands as a stark example of urban disparity. This densely populated and backward area, with a significant portion falling under the East Nagpur Assembly constituency, continues to struggle with chronic civic neglect despite its old settlements.
A Tapestry of Demographics and Shifting Political Loyalties
The prabhag boasts a mixed population, including scheduled castes, Muslims, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and scheduled tribes. A sizeable number of residents are migrants from Chhattisgarh and other regions. Politically, the area has shown fluid loyalties. While voters supported the Congress in recent Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, the 2017 civic polls witnessed a clean sweep by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which won all four seats.
This electoral history sets the stage for a fiercely contested battle in the upcoming Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections. Both the Congress and the BJP are making determined efforts to curb the BSP's influence. Adding layers to this contest, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which finished second here in 2017, is set to enter the fray again. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is also preparing to contest, signaling an intense and multi-cornered battle.
Persistent Civic Neglect and Key Issues
While Nagpur city has seen development, Prabhag 6 has largely been left behind, with only select parts of North Nagpur benefiting. The absence of elected corporators for the past three-and-a-half years has severely aggravated longstanding problems. Residents face a daily struggle for basic amenities.
The key unresolved civic issues plaguing the area include:
- The Chambhar Nala, flowing through the area, lacks a protective wall, leading to homes flooding every monsoon.
- Many slum dwellers are still awaiting ownership titles for their homes.
- Internal cement concrete roads are in a state of severe disrepair.
- Aged sewer lines frequently choke, causing sanitation nightmares.
Furthermore, the area suffers from a critical shortage of facilities for education, healthcare, cultural activities, playgrounds, and libraries.
A Crowded Field of Political Aspirants
With the BSP facing internal challenges, other parties have intensified their groundwork. The list of aspirants is long and reflects the prabhag's diverse electorate. From the BJP, hopefuls include Anita Dhamgaye, Dinesh Kukde, Bholanath Sahare, and Chandrakant Sadavarte, among others. The Congress hopefuls feature names like Dharampal Patil, Indrapal Waghmare, and Zaheda Begum Ansari.
The BSP is relying on aspirants such as Jitendra Ghodeswar, Vandana Chandekar, and Mohammed Ibrahim Taufiq. The IUML has contenders like Aslam Khan and Nasirabano Ansari. Parties like the BRSP, AIMIM, and NCP are also preparing to join the contest, making the outcome highly unpredictable.
The four seats in Prabhag 6 are reserved as follows: one for Scheduled Caste (Woman), one for OBC, one for General (Woman), and one General seat. With a total voter strength of 60,137 (29,706 male and 30,424 female), this prabhag remains a crucial microcosm of Nagpur's urban challenges and political dynamics. The 2017 elected corporators were Jitendra Bhaskar Ghodeswar, Vandana Chandekar, Vaishali Narnaware, and Ibrahim Ahamad. Whether development will finally reach its residents hinges on the upcoming electoral verdict.
