Congress leader and MLC Satej Patil has revealed that an overwhelming number of aspirants are seeking the party's nomination for the upcoming Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) elections. According to Patil, approximately 350 candidates have applied for Congress tickets, indicating significant interest in contesting the civic polls under the party's banner.
Interview Process and Broad-Based Interest
Patil has taken charge of the candidate selection process, conducting interviews with hopefuls from half of the city's wards on Tuesday. He confirmed that interviews for candidates from the remaining ten wards would be completed on Wednesday. The senior Congress leader highlighted the diverse background of the applicants, noting that the party is receiving enquiries from various sections of society.
This includes educated professionals and individuals with a long history of social service work, suggesting a wide appeal for the party's candidacy. This broad interest is seen as a positive indicator for Congress's grassroots connect in the region ahead of the crucial municipal battle.
Alliance Dynamics and Seat-Sharing Talks
Outlining the political strategy, Patil confirmed that the Congress will contest the elections as part of the opposition Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, a departure from its solo contest in the 2015 KMC polls, which was followed by a post-poll alliance. The seat-sharing formula within the MVA is currently under discussion.
Patil disclosed that the Shiv Sena (UBT), a key ally, has staked a claim for 33 seats in the corporation. "We are going to sit together on Wednesday evening and sort out seat sharing on the basis of the strength of parties," stated Patil, indicating that final negotiations are imminent. This coordination is critical for the alliance to present a united front against the ruling Mahayuti coalition.
Congress to Campaign on Past Performance
As the campaign season heats up, the Congress plans to aggressively highlight its developmental record from its previous tenure in the KMC between 2015 and 2020. Patil listed several key achievements that the party intends to showcase to voters.
These include the completion of the critical Kalammawadi direct pipeline project, extensive road construction, development of public gardens, and securing funds for the rejuvenation of the iconic Rankala Lake. "We delivered during our tenure in the KMC," asserted Patil, drawing a sharp contrast with the current administration.
He criticized the ruling Mahayuti, which has governed the civic body through an administrator for the past three-and-a-half years, for failing to achieve substantial progress. Patil accused the coalition of making empty promises during the campaign. "Now, from the chief minister to deputy CMs, all are going to campaign seeking votes on what they will do, which they will not in reality," he claimed.
Concluding his argument, Patil expressed confidence in the electorate's discernment, stating that people trust only the Congress to deliver on promises and ensure that allocated funds are fully utilized for sanctioned development works. The stage is now set for a keenly contested election in the historic city of Kolhapur.
