Nagpur: With State Government issuing notification on Prabhags, the bugle has been sounded for Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections slated to be held 2017. On one hand the Prabhag system is likely to annihilate the smaller parties and on the other hand, the three main parties (BJP, Congress, BSP) could reap gains in the crucial polls. But tie-ups with these major parties may send some candidates of smaller parties to the corridors of power.
According to notification, NMC will have 149 wards and 37 Prabhags. The number of 4-member Prabhags will be 36 and one Prabhag will have 5 members. The alliance fighting 4-member Prabhag will have advantage of sorts in the election.
The Bharatiya Janata Party is ruling the State and the party, after lot of pondering, has drawn a strategy by carving out 4-member Prabhags. However, if the party sidelines its alliance partner Shiv Sena then the strategy could boomerang. On the other hand, Shiv Sena’s mind is sailing on two boats. The party can, at any given time, tie up with BJP in poll ring, despite bitter relations. If Shiv Sena buckles to the terms and conditions of BJP, then there could be an alliance. Otherwise, the party could go alone and create problems for the bigger party. Even otherwise, BJP has no strong base in North Nagpur and the party does not expect a major success in the part either. If the party men of a particular society from North Nagpur are given credence then BJP can expect turn around in success. On the other hand, Shiv Sena is so much rift-ridden unit in city, it will score “under-10 mark” even if its Mumbai bosses leave no stone unturned. If Shiv Sena resorts to ‘importing’ outside candidates then the party can hope for a more score but not that significant.
In the Congress camp, City President Vikas Thakre and ‘active’ Corporator Praful Gudadhe Patil have specifically been entrusted the responsibility to crack the fort of Chief Minister in his Assembly constituency.
In North Nagpur, BSP has its own class and existence. If each and every leader of the party ‘sacrifices’ a bit in the interest of the party, it could emerge a successful party in a major way. The party can play a major role in NMC affairs and even play the role of kingmaker.
Congress too can reap major gains in North Nagpur with the 4-4 Prabhag system unless and of course the ticket distribution is proper and unanimous and done by ‘one hand’ only.
According to experts, in today’s political situation, either Congress or BJP would emerge largest party in NMC polls. And if the strategy works, BSP would be seen bagging the number three spot. Muslim League, which is extending support to the ruling party since the past two elections, seems to be a disappointed lot due to BJP’s slipshod treatment. Possibility of the party tie up with Congress, before or after the polls, could not be ruled out. Talking about other smaller parties such as NCP, RPI, MNS, AAP and even Shiv Sena, the parties together could win a dozen candidates and leave a mark. Apart from all these parties, even if one or two Independents emerge victorious, they would undoubtedly be seen holding hands of ruling dispensation and garnering ‘gainful’ benefits.
– By Rajeev Ranjan Kushwaha (rajeev.nagpurtoday@gmail.com)
