In a significant political development ahead of the crucial Nashik Municipal Corporation elections scheduled for January 15, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been compelled to extend its official support to three independent candidates across three different wards. This unusual move stems from major disruptions and chaos that occurred during the distribution of crucial A and B forms to party aspirants in the city.
Chaos Leads to Symbol Confusion for Voters
The fallout from the procedural chaos has created a unique challenge for the BJP's campaign machinery. The party now faces the difficult task of educating its traditional voter base about the new symbols assigned to the independent candidates it is backing, as the party's iconic 'lotus' symbol is absent in two of the three contentious wards. This situation is particularly confusing for voters who instinctively look for the lotus symbol on the ballot.
Detailing the party's strategy, Sunil Kedar, the city unit president of BJP, clarified the candidates and symbols. "In ward 25C, we are sponsoring independent candidate Bhagyashree Dhomse with the symbol of 'cup and saucer'. In ward 25D, we are backing Prakash Amrutkar with the 'gas cylinder' symbol, and in ward 26C, we support Pushpawati Pawar with the 'cupboard' symbol," Kedar explained.
A Tough Sell on the Ground
A senior party functionary, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted the practical difficulties. He confirmed that voters in wards 25C and 25D are persistently asking party workers for the lotus symbol. "It is tough to tell voters to refrain from voting for the 'lotus' in their ward," the functionary said. However, he expressed confidence in the party's grassroots network to manage the situation.
To mitigate voter confusion, the party has adopted a visual campaign strategy. "We have created posters showing the entire panel so that the three candidates in that ward and the fourth sponsored candidate are visible in the same frame. This helps voters connect the independent candidate with the party," the functionary added, noting that while people are finding it hard to digest the change, the message is slowly getting through.
The Unique Challenge of Ward 26C
The scenario presents an even more complex challenge in ward 26C. Here, the party's lotus symbol remains in the electoral fray, but it is being contested by a rebel candidate. Alka Ahire, who has since been expelled from the BJP, filed her nomination on the party symbol and did not withdraw during the designated period. Consequently, she will contest the election using the BJP's lotus symbol, despite the party now officially backing independent Pushpawati Pawar.
"In the first two wards, those who filed on the BJP symbol withdrew during the withdrawal period. However, in ward 26C, Alka Ahire is still contesting for the party symbol," the senior functionary stated. This creates a direct clash where the party is actively campaigning against its own symbol.
To counter this, BJP workers are rallying intensely behind their chosen candidate, Pushpawati Pawar. "Our party functionaries are rallying hard behind Pawar. Multiple rallies are being organised carrying the symbol of the 'cupboard', prominently featuring posters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis," the functionary elaborated. The initial feedback from the ground suggests voters are beginning to respond positively to this concerted effort.
Confidence Amidst Confusion
Despite the unprecedented symbol confusion, the BJP leadership in Nashik projects confidence. They believe their strong local organizational structure and the popularity of its national and state leaders will ultimately guide voters to make the correct choice. "By the time of the elections, we are confident things will be in place," the senior functionary asserted. The party is betting that its direct voter connect and clear messaging will overcome the initial hurdles posed by the chaotic nomination process and the resultant symbol dilemma.
The January 15 elections for the Nashik Municipal Corporation will now serve as a test of the BJP's ability to transfer votes to candidates not bearing its famous lotus symbol, a task made more arduous by the presence of its own symbol on a rebel candidate in one key ward.
