Even before nominations for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections could begin, the voters’ list has already delivered a political setback, disqualifying over 10 aspirants — including former Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) corporator Mama Dhote — from entering the race. Their disqualification was not due to finances or public support, but because their names were missing from the voters’ list, making them ineligible to contest.
Election officials said the civic polls are being conducted strictly on the basis of the Assembly election voters’ list finalised on July 1, 2025, as per State Election Commission rules. Any additions or deletions after that date are invalid for the NMC polls. Several aspirants learnt this the hard way at nomination centres, despite carrying newly issued voter ID or e-voter cards from the Election Commission of India.
Officials made it clear that possession of a voter card alone does not confer eligibility. “If the name is not in the final Assembly roll, the candidate cannot contest,” an official said.
The issue proved particularly awkward for Mama Dhote, whose name was reportedly deleted following a residence change application made after the July deadline. Some aspirants admitted to having sought deletion from earlier prabhags, expecting quick re-registration elsewhere, only to end up excluded altogether.
As scrutiny continues, the episode has highlighted poor preparation among aspirants, with officials remarking that checking one’s presence on the voters’ list should precede any election campaign.
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