Nagpur: A significant political development has unfolded in the city, as both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (Congress) have announced new appointments of nominated corporators in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation.
BJP Brings in Six New Faces
In a strategic move aimed at strengthening its grip on the civic body, the BJP has nominated six new corporators. The names confirmed include:
- Ritesh Gawande
- Subodh Acharya
- Vinod Baghel (Bhagat)
- Sanjay Thakre
- Devendra Mehar
- Jitendra (Jeetu) Thakur
Notably, the party appears to have sidelined some experienced leaders in favor of promoting fresh leadership, signaling a shift toward grooming new political faces.
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Apr 15 2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
Congress Announces Two Appointments
The Congress has also made its moves to maintain political balance by nominating:
- Atul Kotecha
- Ketan Thakre
Atul Kotecha is considered an active and influential figure in the traders’ community, while Ketan Thakre is the son of MLA Vikas Thakre, indicating a blend of grassroots and political lineage representation.
Ally Representation Included
The BJP has also accommodated its ally, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), by nominating Suraj Goje as a corporator. Goje currently serves as the district chief of Shiv Sena in Central Nagpur.
Focus on Regional Balance
The BJP’s selections reflect an attempt to ensure representation across key regions of Nagpur:
- East Nagpur: Devendra Mehar (linked to MLA Krishna Khopde)
- Central Nagpur: Subodh Acharya
- West Nagpur: Vinod Baghel
- South Nagpur: Sanjay Thakre
- North Nagpur: Jitendra Thakur
Political Context
In the last municipal elections, the BJP secured a clear majority with 102 seats, while Congress managed to win 34 seats, with other parties holding a limited presence.
What It Signals
These nominations suggest that the BJP is focusing on organizational expansion through new leadership, while Congress is attempting to strike a balance between youth representation and social outreach.
With these developments, new political equations are expected to emerge in Nagpur’s local governance landscape in the coming months.
