Nagpur: In a decisive move on Sunday, the Halba community in Nagpur Central assembly constituency decided to back Ramesh Punekar as their candidate in the upcoming state assembly elections on November 20. Following a crucial meeting held on Sunday afternoon at Kolba Swami Hall, community leaders passed a unanimous resolution in support of Punekar, signalling a potential shift in the constituency's election dynamics.
The meeting brought together prominent community organisations, including the Halba Kranti Sena led by Jagdish Khapekar, Adim Kruti Samiti's Nanda Parate, Adivasi Halba Mahasangh represented by Dhananjay Dharmik, and Adivasi Sangarsh Samiti. Leaders collectively agreed on Punekar's candidacy, and all other Halba candidates who had filed nominations as Independents confirmed they would withdraw their nominations on Monday.
Punekar, a former Congress member, was chosen over other potential candidates from the Halba community, including BJP rebel Deepak Deoghare, Ashok Dhapodkar, and Vinayak and Dharmendra Parate. With this strategic alignment, the Halba community aims to consolidate their vote and ensure their concerns are represented in the assembly.
The decision introduces a new dimension to the race in Nagpur Central, which already has key candidates from the major parties – BJP's Pravin Datke and Congress's Bunty Shelke. Previously, BJP's Vikas Kumbhare, a Halba community member, held the seat for three consecutive terms from 2009 to 2019, but he stepped down this year, reportedly due to anti-incumbency sentiments.
With Punekar's entry, the contest could turn into a triangular race, complicating the path for both Datke and Shelke. Political analysts suggest the absence of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and AIMIM candidates this year, along with former MLA Anees Ahmed's withdrawal from the race, may strengthen Congress's base in Muslim-dominated areas. However, the Halba community's support for Punekar could challenge traditional voting patterns and impact outcomes for both major parties.
This development has intensified interest in Nagpur Central, where community-based representation appears set to play a pivotal role in the polls.