Family Politics Takes Center Stage in Pusad Council Battle
The political landscape of Pusad has been thrown into turmoil as a dramatic family feud within the influential Naik clan has intensified the battle for the Municipal Council chairperson's post. In an unprecedented development, two prominent members of the Naik family are openly campaigning against their sister-in-law and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) nominee Mohini Indranil Naik.
The Naik family holds a unique position in Maharashtra's political history as the only clan to have produced two chief ministers for the state. The current conflict has turned what would typically be a routine local election into a high-stakes political drama that has captured the attention of the entire district.
Historic Political Legacy Faces Unprecedented Challenge
Pusad constituency has been synonymous with the Naik surname for over seven decades, creating a political legacy unmatched in Maharashtra's dynastic politics. Former Chief Minister Vasantrao Naik and his nephew, ex-Chief Minister Sudhakarrao Naik, transformed this constituency into a family stronghold that has sent a member of their clan to the legislature in every assembly election since the early 1950s.
This seven-decade unbroken run now faces its most significant internal challenge as the family rift becomes public. The current conflict emerged into the open after Mohini filed her nomination papers, prompting immediate opposition from her brothers-in-law.
Brothers-in-Law Lead Opposition Campaign
The opposition to Mohini's candidature is being led by former MLA Nilay Naik and Yayati Manohar Naik, who have thrown their support behind BJP candidate Nikhil Chiddarwar. Both men have been actively campaigning against their sister-in-law, creating what local political observers describe as a rare instance of family politics playing out so publicly in a municipal council election.
Nilay Naik, who joined the BJP seven years ago and was subsequently sent to the legislative council, maintains considerable influence in Pusad's political circles. Interestingly, despite their political differences, Nilay had actively campaigned for Mahayuti candidate Indranil Naik during the last assembly polls, which Indranil won by a narrow margin of over 90 votes.
The current conflict surfaced after Nilay demanded that the BJP be given the chairperson's post. When Indranil rejected this demand and instead fielded his wife Mohini as the NCP nominee, the BJP named its own candidate, prompting Nilay to campaign against his brother's wife.
Triangular Contest Shapes Up for December 2 Polls
With the two Naiks supporting the BJP and the Congress also fielding a candidate, Pusad is heading for a triangular contest that reflects the complex political equations at play. The elections for 10 municipal councils and one nagar panchayat in Yavatmal district are scheduled for December 2, but the Pusad contest carries added significance due to the family dynamics involved.
This situation mirrors a similar split that occurred seven years ago when former council chairperson Anita Naik faced internal resistance from Nilay. In the current scenario, both Nilay and Yayati are supporting the BJP candidate fighting against Mohini, leaving her husband Indranil to manage her campaign single-handedly.
Nilay defended his position, stating that the BJP was contesting with full strength after attempts at an alliance failed. "We tried for an alliance, but the minister insisted on keeping the chairperson post. We firmly demanded a BJP candidate. They did not agree," Nilay explained.
Mohini, meanwhile, expressed confidence in the voters' judgment, saying, "Everyone has responsibilities toward their respective parties. People in Pusad know who among the Naik family have always been committed to public service."
The outcome of this election will not only determine the leadership of Pusad Municipal Council but could also signal a potential reshaping of the political dynamics within Maharashtra's most prominent political family.
