Nagpur: With the deadline for withdrawal of nominations concluding on Monday, Nagpur's electoral landscape is heating up with several rebel candidates from major parties in the fray, setting the stage for closely contested triangular battles in key constituencies.
Across Nagpur's six constituencies, 117 candidates are officially in the race, with 17 withdrawing their nominations on the final day. Each constituency now presents unique dynamics, especially where influential rebels refused to step down, challenging the traditional dominance of BJP and Congress.
In Nagpur West, a prominent shift was witnessed with senior BJP leader and rebel candidate Naresh Barde's decision to withdraw his nomination. Initially filing as an Independent, Barde stepped back after discussions with senior BJP figures, including Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari. "I withdrew from the race after an assurance from senior party leaders. Now, I will support BJP's Sudhakar Kohale," he stated, signalling unity within the party. With Barde's exit, Nagpur West is set for a three-way contest among sitting Congress MLA Vikas Thakre, BJP's Sudhakar Kohale, and Congress rebel Narendra Jichkar, who is running as an Independent. Jichkar's continued presence could challenge both Congress and BJP by drawing support from restive voters, reshaping the constituency's vote split.
In Nagpur North, former Congress corporator Manoj Sangole is contesting under the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) banner, amplifying stakes for traditional frontrunners. Sangole, who voiced frustration over lack of development in his constituency, stated, "Compared to other constituencies, North Nagpur witnessed little progress. I am contesting to address this imbalance." Sangole's candidacy adds a fresh dimension to the race, as he brings experience and support from within BSP's core base. This could swing votes of both sitting Congress MLA Nitin Raut and BJP's former MLA Dr Milind Mane, due to the BSP candidate's appeal among marginalised sections.
Nagpur Central is also set for an intense three-way battle. The Halba community, with a substantial voter base in the constituency, rallied behind Ramesh Punekar, a former Congress corporator now running as an Independent after severing ties with the party. Speaking on his decision, Punekar explained, "The Halba community has united after several years to endorse his candidature. Both BJP and Congress deceived us, and I am sure our community will elect me to advocate their concerns." Punekar's entry complicates matters for BJP's Pravin Datke and Congress' Bunty Shelke, as he draws significant community support that may erode traditional voting patterns.
In Nagpur East, the stage is set for a fierce contest with Congress rebel Purushottam Hazare choosing to remain in the race. Hazare, who garnered nearly 80,000 votes in 2019 elections, expressed dissatisfaction with Congress' treatment of his candidacy. "Congress was unjust towards me despite garnering approximately 80,000 votes in 2019 elections. Hence, I resolved to contest as an Independent," he stated. Representing himself with the cricket bat symbol, Hazare declared his intent to "score boundaries and sixes against opponents, specifically BJP's Krishna Khopde." This fiercely independent bid could complicate the electoral landscape, drawing support from Congress' base and potentially challenging Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate Duneshwar Pethe.
Another unexpected development in Nagpur East involves Abha Pande, a candidate from NCP (Sharad Pawar's faction) who is also running as an Independent after separating from party lines. With her torch symbol, Pande stated, "I shall eliminate the darkness of 15 years." She added, "Had BJP MLA Krishna Khopde not spread darkness, people would not have insisted on my electoral participation." Pande's campaign, centred around issues affecting marginalised communities, is expected to resonate among voters who are disillusioned with mainstream options.
These prominent rebel entries, along with Independents, turned Nagpur's electoral race into one of the most unpredictable in recent years. The contest now reflects a broad spectrum of political and social allegiances, with independent candidates emerging as critical influencers. Their defiance of party lines, coupled with their influence in specific communities, has intensified competition among major party candidates, notably BJP and Congress as Nagpur heads to the polls on November 20.
Constituencies---Contesting----Withdrawn
Nagpur Central---20---12
Nagpur East---17---6
Nagpur North---26---4
Nagpur South---22---2
Nagpur South-West---12---1
Nagpur West---20----3