Prabhag No 2 in North Nagpur has sharp political focus as the long-delayed NMC elections approach. The ward is distinctly Scheduled Caste dominated, with nearly 52% of the population belong to this community, making caste equations central to electoral outcomes. Historically, the Prabhag was considered a stronghold of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Over the past decade, however, political control has decisively shifted in favour of Congress, altering the local power balance. 

 

 

 

Congress’ hold despite political churn

 

In the 2017 civic elections, all four seats from Prabhag No 2 were won by Congress candidates — Bhavana Lonare, Dinesh Yadav, Neha Nikose and Manoj Sangole. Later, Sangole rebelled and contested Assembly elections on BSP ticket. His move failed to dent Congress’ core vote base. The Prabhag falls within the North Nagpur Assembly constituency, currently represented by senior Congress leader Dr Nitin Raut. His presence has further consolidated the party’s position, while the contest has largely remained bipolar between Congress and BSP. The ensuing civic polls are to witness same pattern in the Prabhag. 

 

 

This time, Congress faces challenge of managing a long list of aspirants. BSP traditionally reveals its candidates late, keeping rivals guessing. Manoj Sangole is once again expected to enter the fray, though his party affiliation remains unclear. The BJP, encouraged by recent electoral momentum elsewhere, is also preparing aggressively, while smaller parties add to the likelihood of a fragmented contest. Whether Congress remains dominant or faces erosion will be evident only at the ballot. 

 

 

Despite its political importance, Prabhag No 2 continues to face civic failures. Border areas remain dotted with unauthorised layouts that have been excluded from planned development. Settlements along the Pili river suffer from chronic drainage problems, with frequent overflows during the monsoon. Residents of several localities allege that the Nagpur Improvement Trust collected regularisation fees years ago but failed to provide basic infrastructure. Families displaced from slums near Noga factory were resettled in the Prabhag over a decade ago, yet still lack proper roads, water supply and sewerage, surviving largely on tanker water. Similar conditions prevail in SRA housing at Uppalwadi and in New MHADA Colony, where access roads, drinking water and sanitation remain absent. Slums like Bhadant Anand Kausalyayanagar, Pili River basti and Takshila Nagar continue to wait for meaningful development. 

 

 

Nari village, Sugat Nagar, Kabir Nagar, Pioli Nadi Vasti, Uppalwadi, Baba Dipsingh Nagar, Ramai Nagar, Powergrid, WCL rescue station, Nalanda Nagar, Sanyal Nagar, Kapil Nagar, Prabhat Colony, Nagpur (Rural) Headquarters, Thawre Colony, New Thawre Colony, Misal Layout, Kamgar Nagar, MIG/HIG Colony, Teg Bahadur Nagar, Ahuja Nagar, Lal Godown, Kasturba Nagar, Wadpakhad (Bhag), Teka Naka (Bhag), and other localities.