Union Minister Nitin Gadkari used a vivid matrimonial analogy to describe the intense competition for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tickets in the upcoming Nagpur local body elections. Speaking at a party event in the city on Saturday, Gadkari stated that over 5,000 aspirants are vying for just over 150 seats, creating a challenging scenario for the party's leadership.
A Swayamvar of Political Aspirations
Addressing the crowd, Gadkari humorously yet pointedly highlighted the ticket frenzy. He referenced an old film title, 'ek phool, do maali' (one flower, two gardeners), to say the situation is now 'ek phool, 50 maali'. "Time for swayamvar is there, but we have 50 suitors for one bride," the minister remarked, drawing laughter and nods of understanding from the audience.
He acknowledged the difficulty in denying tickets to dedicated party workers who have toiled during elections. Gadkari urged patience, stating that until the party makes its final decision, every contender remains in the race. He emphasized that the final choice rests with the party organization.
Focus on Nagpur's Development and Challenges
Shifting to governance, Gadkari pitched for a 'triple engine' government—with the BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra, and the party ruling the Nagpur civic body—to accelerate development in the city.
However, he candidly accepted that North Nagpur remains a weak point for the BJP. "There are 26 seats in North Nagpur, and we need to ensure that at least 16 corporators are elected from here," he said. Taking personal responsibility for the party's past performance in the area during Lok Sabha polls, Gadkari stated he did not blame anyone but felt the party had failed to connect effectively with voters there.
Addressing Civic Issues: Water and River Rejuvenation
The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways also delved into key civic issues plaguing Nagpur. He pointed out a major inefficiency in the city's water distribution system, revealing that nearly half of the daily supply is unaccounted for. "Around 750 to 800 MLD of water enters the city, but only about 400 MLD is officially accounted for. The problem lies not in availability but in distribution inefficiencies," Gadkari explained. He added that despite these losses, the city does not currently face a water shortage.
Discussing the 2023 flooding near Ambazari, which submerged several houses, Gadkari identified encroachments along the Nag River banks as a primary cause of the damage. He announced a significant central government initiative to address this. The Centre has approved ₹2,400 crore for the cleaning and rejuvenation of the Nag River, with the goal of making it pollution-free and restoring its natural flow.
Looking to the future, Gadkari outlined an ambitious long-term vision. Once the river is restored, he envisions the development of inland water transport. "A time may come when people can travel by boat from Pardi in Nagpur to Ambhora in Bhandara district," he said, painting a picture of a transformed waterway.
Boosting Industrial Growth
On the industrial front, Gadkari spoke about efforts to attract large-scale investments to the region. He specifically mentioned that the government is actively pursuing a proposal for a mega refinery project at Kuhi, where approximately 4,500 acres of MIDC land is available for the venture. This project is seen as a potential game-changer for the local economy and job creation.
Gadkari's comprehensive address thus covered the internal dynamics of his party, acknowledged electoral challenges, and laid out a roadmap for Nagpur's infrastructural and industrial development, positioning himself as a key figure in the city's political and developmental narrative.
