Nagpur: At just 21, Lakshmi Hattithele scripted a moment that will be remembered in Nagpur’s civic politics for years to come. A fifth-semester BA Psychology student and contesting on a BJP ticket from Prabhag 5-A, Lakshmi emerged as the youngest corporator ever elected to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, sealing her victory after a nail-biting count that swung dramatically in her favour.
The counting hall witnessed a political thriller unfold. For the first 12 rounds, Lakshmi trailed her rival, with defeat appearing almost certain. But the 13th round changed everything. She surged ahead with a slender lead of 181 votes, triggering a momentum shift that only grew stronger with each subsequent round. When the final tally was declared, Lakshmi had not only caught up but stormed ahead, winning by a decisive margin of 1,024 votes.
Gold Rate
17 Jan 2026
Born into a family deeply entrenched in municipal politics, Lakshmi is the daughter of late Raju Hattithele and Durga Hattithele, both former NMC corporators. Her journey, however, has not been without setbacks. Her mother had earlier faced disqualification over caste certificate issues, a chapter that cast a long shadow over the family’s political fortunes. Yet, Lakshmi’s victory marks a fresh beginning, one powered by youth, resilience and grassroots support.
Expressing gratitude after her win, Lakshmi struck an emotional note. “I am grateful to my voters, especially the Gen Z generation, who spared their time and came out to vote for me. I will work to the best of my abilities and live up to the expectations of the party and the people,” she said.
Lakshmi’s rise is being seen as a strong signal of changing equations in local governance, where young leaders are increasingly finding space and voice.
Alisha Khan, wife of Mahal riots accused, wins
In another result that underlined the unpredictable mood of the electorate, AIMIM’s Alisha Khan (29), a first-time contestant, pulled off a significant upset in Prabhag 3D of Yashodhara Nagar under the Ashi Nagar zone, defeating BJP’s experienced candidate Bhagyashree Kantode by nearly 1,900 votes.
Alisha polled 9,455 votes, while Kantode secured 7,580. Her victory comes against a backdrop of personal turmoil and public sympathy. Alisha’s husband, Fahim, is the prime accused in the March 2025 Mahal riots case, following which the family’s house in Sanjay Bagh Colony was demolished by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, an action the family has consistently termed illegal.
Observers say Alisha’s win reflects how personal hardship and perceived injustice can shape voter sentiment, turning adversity into unexpected political momentum.
