In the previous Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections held in 2007, 2012 and 2017, it was the Indian National Congress that drew criticism for chaotic ticket distribution, while the Bharatiya Janata Party largely remained controversy-free. This time, the situation has reversed, with the BJP facing internal turbulence and Congress completing its candidate selection with minimal dissent.
The BJP issued double B-forms on six seats—13B, 13D, 18A, 22D, 31D and 38D—reviving a practice that had earlier embarrassed Congress. After sustained persuasion by senior leaders, including Devendra Fadnavis, candidates on five seats withdrew. However, Dhiraj Chavhan (22D) refused to do so, while Kisan Gawande (13D) withdrew only after a dramatic episode that caused embarrassment to the party.
Seat-sharing talks with the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) also hit a snag. Though Sena was allotted eight seats, “friendly contests” have emerged on 21D and 24B, where both allies are fielding candidates, a development seen as advantageous for the Congress.
The BJP is also battling rebellion from senior leaders, including Vinayak Dehankar (17D), Sunil Agrawal (14D) and Dipak Chaudhari (32D), all contesting as independents. A senior BJP leader admitted higher indiscipline this time but claimed the Prabhag system would limit damage, citing development work by Nitin Gadkari and the state leadership as key campaign planks. BOXBJP may face problems in these seats 14D (Civil Lines, Khatikpura, Gawalipura, Sadar, Marartoli ) – Pragati Patil (BJP) vs Sunil Agrawal (Rebel)17D (Ganeshpeth, Shaniwari, Gujarwadi, Ajni Police Station) – Manoj Sable (BJP) vs Vinayak Dehankar (Rebel)21D (Prem Nagar, Satranjipura, Nehru Statue, Shanti Nagar, Parvarpura) – Sanjay Awchat (BJP) vs Ajay Dalal (Sena-Shinde)22D (Ayachit Mandir, RSS HQ, Juni Mangalwari, Nawabpura)- Sudhir Raut (BJP) vs Dhiraj Chavhan (Rebel)24B (Dipti Signal, Minimata Nagar, Chikhli, HB Town) – Pradip Pohane (BJP) vs Jagatram Sinha (Sena-Shinde)32D (Bajrang Nagar, New Subhedar Layout, Ladikar Layout) – Ram Kumbhalkar (BJP) vs Dipak Chaudhari (BJP rebel)
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