With the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections scheduled for January 15, the political battleground in the city has expanded far beyond conventional party offices and ward meetings. A significant surge is being witnessed in the clinics of astrologers, the shops of gemstone dealers, and the spaces of pandits, as hopeful candidates seek divine intervention and cosmic assurances for their electoral ambitions.
Corridors of Astrology Buzz with Political Queries
From early morning until late evening, the waiting areas of astrologers across Nagpur are unusually crowded, filled with ticket aspirants accompanied by aides and family members. The core questions remain consistent: Will I get the party ticket? What is the most auspicious time to file my nomination? and Which ward is favourable for me? Many seekers go further, requesting specific 'solutions' believed to enhance their chances.
These remedies range from conducting special pujas and yagyas to wearing customised rings embedded with particular healing stones and choosing specific coloured attire for the nomination filing day. The announcement of the election dates has effectively triggered a seasonal rush for these services.
Dhananjay Pardhi, an astrologer practising in South-West Nagpur, confirmed the trend. "Political consultations have doubled in December and tripled in the last few days," he said. He revealed that over 100 aspirants, including both familiar faces and newcomers, have sought his guidance. Consultations often extend beyond simple horoscope readings to include elaborate rituals aimed at removing perceived 'political obstacles.'
Gemstones, Numerology, and Vastu in High Demand
The phenomenon is not limited to traditional astrologers. Practitioners of allied spiritual sciences are also experiencing increased footfall. Lalit Kahate and his wife Priya Acharya, who run a firm named Siddhi Spiritual dealing in numerology, vastu, and healing modalities, report a sharp increase in clients since the NMC poll announcement.
"Not just senior leaders, but first-time and local-level aspirants are visiting us," Kahate stated. He explained that while rings and gemstones are suggested for long-term benefits based on a person's name and zodiac, immediate political goals call for specific remedies. "Crystals are recommended the most. Apart from that, vastu shastra and healing modalities are also sought," he added. His wife, Priya, has over 12 years of astrology experience, while Lalit has been active in vastu for five years.
Gemstone dealers, particularly those specialising in astrological jewellery and so-called healing diamonds, are reporting brisk business. An eminent jeweller in this niche, speaking on condition of anonymity, said demand has spiked for rings associated with power, stability, and public image. "Most customers come with a pre-conceived design, asking if a particular diamond or stone will help them secure a ticket or strengthen their party position," he noted. Dealers highlight that political clients often demand quick delivery due to tight election schedules and internal party deadlines.
Seeking Confidence in an Unpredictable Arena
For many political hopefuls, these visits are less about blind superstition and more about seeking psychological reassurance in a highly uncertain field. Astrologer Dhananjay Pardhi summed it up: "Politics is unpredictable. People look for anything that gives them confidence." This search for an edge, whether celestial or tangible, has become an intriguing subplot in the high-stakes drama of Nagpur's civic elections, revealing a unique intersection of faith, tradition, and political ambition.
The rush is expected to continue until the nomination process concludes, with aspirants leaving no stone—astrological or otherwise—unturned in their quest for an NMC ticket.
