With the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections drawing near, the political landscape in the city is heating up. Revenue and Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced on Sunday that the crucial seat-sharing negotiations between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) for Nagpur have entered their final phase.
Alliance Talks Nearing Conclusion
Bawankule revealed that the candidate list for the crucial urban polls is expected to be finalized and sealed imminently. He indicated that the selection of names is being meticulously done based on comprehensive internal surveys conducted by the parties. These shortlisted candidates will subsequently receive the formal approval from the state leadership before any public announcement is made.
The minister expressed strong confidence in the performance of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which comprises the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde), and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). He projected that the coalition is poised to secure a commanding victory by winning over 51% of the votes across various municipal corporations, including Nagpur.
Seat-Sharing Dynamics Across Vidarbha
Bawankule provided a detailed update on the alliance talks across the Vidarbha region. He stated that discussions for Nagpur and Amravati are virtually complete and have reached an advanced stage. However, negotiations with the NCP (Ajit Pawar group) are still ongoing in select constituencies. The minister made it clear that in areas where a consensus with alliance partners cannot be achieved, the BJP will contest the elections independently.
Regarding Amravati, he mentioned that talks with the Shiv Sena over seat distribution are continuing, and a 'practical formula' is likely to be reached soon. The political activity is expected to remain intense until 3 PM on December 30, which is the deadline for finalizing these discussions and candidate nominations.
Addressing Internal Unity and Criticism
Dismissing any speculation about internal discord within the party, Bawankule asserted that BJP leaders in Chandrapur are united and working cohesively towards the electoral goal. He also took the opportunity to respond to criticism from opposition leaders.
In a pointed remark aimed at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, Bawankule described the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the world's largest political organization. He accused Raut of consistently 'spreading negativity' instead of engaging in constructive politics.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the finalization of the seat-sharing pact, which will set the stage for a direct contest in the Nagpur civic polls and shape the political narrative in Maharashtra's key urban centers.
