The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction's campaign for the upcoming Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections has been marred by public infighting right from the start. Top party leaders in the city have openly traded accusations of deceit and foul play concerning the distribution of crucial AB forms, exposing deep internal fissures.
Public Accusations of Deceit and Collusion
The party's Nagpur city president, Nitin Tiwari, launched a direct attack on the district chief, Kishore Kumeriya. Tiwari alleged that Kumeriya was "colluding with the BJP" and deliberately mishandling the AB form distribution process. These forms are essential for candidates to file their nominations.
"I was given my form around 2 pm, while others walked away by noon," Tiwari stated, expressing his suspicion. "I fear this may have been a strategy to sideline me." This public airing of grievances highlights a significant trust deficit within the local leadership at a critical juncture.
An Uphill Battle Without Major Allies
This internal friction comes when the party is already in a precarious position. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally Congress has refused to enter into an alliance for the Nagpur civic polls, forcing Shiv Sena (UBT) to contest alone. A Congress leader dismissed the need for an alliance, stating they have a strong cadre base in every 'prabhag' (ward).
Historically, the undivided Shiv Sena's presence in Nagpur has been limited. It managed to win only two seats in the 2017 civic polls, which provided little leverage during seat-sharing talks with Congress, the second-largest party then with nearly 30 corporators.
First Poll Post-Split Adds to Challenges
The upcoming election is significant as it marks the first civic poll since the dramatic split in the Shiv Sena. Compounding the UBT faction's troubles, the rival Shinde faction has already secured an alliance with the BJP for eight seats in the region.
Lacking a major alliance partner and without a single elected MLA from Nagpur city, the Shiv Sena (UBT) faces a formidable challenge. The combination of internal discord and external isolation places the party in an increasingly difficult position as it attempts to make an impact in the city's political arena, where it has traditionally struggled despite being a major force in Mumbai.
