Nagpur: Independent candidates in Nagpur are giving it a determined, last-minute push to connect with voters before the campaign deadline on November 18. Unlike major political parties, which leverage star-studded rallies and media campaigns, Independent candidates rely on direct voter interactions, focusing on door-to-door visits and neighbourhood gatherings. This approach, though demanding, allows them to build a personal rapport with constituents, a strategy that may make the difference in a close race.
This election season has seen a notable surge in Independents, with 49 candidates contesting across Nagpur's six assembly constituencies, up from 33 in 2019. Despite challenges that Independent candidates historically face, their resolve for individual outreach has intensified. Over the past 11 election cycles, Independents struggled to gain a foothold, but their ground-level campaigning aims to create a stronger impact this year.
Among these candidates, Abha Pande has gained public attention for her dedication. Known for her rigorous campaign schedule, Pande walks an estimated 18 to 20 km daily, crisscrossing neighbourhoods to personally engage with voters. "In the morning, I cover about 13 or 14km, then another four to five in the evening," she told TOI, describing the level of endurance it takes to sustain such a hectic schedule. Beginning her day at 5 am, Pande meets voters well into the night, with little rest in between. Her close aide noted, "She's adjusted to this demanding pace and manages each detail, especially when working to win over undecided voters." Pande's hands-on approach, reflected in her morning garden visits and late-night gatherings, symbolises her commitment to making every interaction count.
In Nagpur West, Independent candidate Raja Baig follows a similar strategy, clocking nearly 10 km each day to meet voters face-to-face. Without the benefit of high-profile rallies or extensive resources, Baig's campaign hinges on neighbourhood-level interactions. "I prefer personal conversations with voters, where we can discuss their issues directly," Baig said, emphasising that this grassroots approach is his key to building trust with constituents. By engaging people in parks and at community centres, Baig is forging connections that he believes are more authentic than those achieved through mass rallies.
Another Independent candidate, Sachin Waghade, running in Nagpur South-West, has also adopted a door-to-door campaign approach. Accompanied by a small team of eight supporters, Waghade covers five to six kilometres daily, engaging voters in padyatras and small gatherings in local neighbourhoods. His focus on issues like youth employment and local development resonates with residents who feel overlooked by mainstream political agendas. "Directly meeting people in their homes and speaking with them is the best way to show that I genuinely understand their concerns," Waghade said.
For Independent candidates like Pande, Baig, and Waghade, the contrast with established parties is evident. Mainstream parties in Nagpur frequently host large-scale public rallies, where prominent leaders and celebrities draw massive crowds and media attention. In contrast, Independents must rely on each handshake, conversation, and meeting to create a lasting impression. Their campaigns, though modest, have struck a chord with voters who appreciate the personal engagement.
These candidates even hold impromptu meetings at local temples, parks, or community centres, addressing grievances that are often lost in the clamour of large rallies. With only days left until campaigning concludes, their grassroots efforts are at full throttle, hoping to turn these face-to-face interactions into votes.
For Independents, the November 18 deadline is not just the culmination of an exhaustive campaign but the result of weeks spent cultivating trust among voters, one doorstep at a time. In this relentless race, each candidate seeks not only votes but also to establish a meaningful bond with constituents, proving that genuine connection and dedication can challenge the sway of major party machinery.