After Bahadura and Besa-Pipla were granted Nagar Panchayat status, both areas are heading for their first civic elections — with the post of Nagar Adhyaksha to be directly chosen by voters.
However, the draw for reservation has changed local equations. Both Nagar Panchayats have been reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) women, dashing the hopes of several established aspirants. While the BJP claims to have strong contenders ready, many residents say they want a leader focused on urban growth, not just politics.
Falling under the Kamptee Assembly segment, both Nagar Panchayats have seen steady development through Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule’s initiatives. The BJP plans to contest confidently, banking on his influence and the party’s large cadre base. Former sarpanch Naresh Bhoyar and member Avinash Udawant said BJP has “no shortage of candidates” and cited visible progress in roads and beautification.
The Congress, meanwhile, appears disorganized — still searching for names even at the member level. Former sarpanch Surendra Banaite remains the party’s key face in Besa, though BJP dominates in Pipla.
Adding to the contest, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction has declared candidates for all 17 seats in Besa-Pipla, insisting it will fight independently.
Posters of BJP aspirants now cover markets and chowks, but internal tussles loom large. With multiple contenders in each ward, party insiders fear rebellion from those denied tickets.
As both Nagar Panchayats prepare for their first election, the real question remains — who will win voters’ trust: the party loyalists or a leader promising real urban vision?
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