Congress may face stiff competition

 

 

 

 

Situated in Central Nagpur, has once again come into political spotlight as the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections return after a long gap of nearly nine years. Although, all the four seats have been won by Indian National Congress, the Prabhag holds immense political importance as the urban development equation can alter the balance of power. The Indian National Congress could face stiff opposition as the development issues are in sharp focus that can alter the course of the elections in favour of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP). Localities in Prabhag 8 are Mayo Hospital Area, Bhankheda, Mominpura, Timki, Khatikpura, Golibar Chowk, Kasabpura. The delay in civic elections has increased public expectations, as residents hope that fresh representatives will finally address long-pending basic issues. In recent months, the area has undergone a sea change vast development also seen heightened political activity due to major public events and ongoing protests related to land use and development projects. All these factors have turned the Prabhag No 8 into one of the most closely watched wards in the upcoming civic polls.

 

 

 

In the 2017 NMC elections, the Indian National Congress (INC) recorded a clean sweep in the Prabhag by winning all four corporator seats. However, the political situation has changed since then. The current MLA from Central Nagpur is senior BJP leader Pravin Datke, who has a strong base in the surrounding area. With other parties also preparing to contest seriously, the Prabhag is expected to witness a multi-cornered fight. Mixed social composition of voters The Prabhag has a population of 65,276 which make it a densely populated urban ward. According to available data, the Prabhag includes 5,112 Scheduled Caste residents and 9,520 Scheduled Tribe residents. The ward has a large number of Muslim population, especially in areas like Mominpura. Apart from this, the Prabhag is home to OBC communities, Muslims, Sindhi, Marwadi, and an increasing number of North Indians. 

 

 

Despite repeated political attention, the Prabhag No 8 continues to struggle with basic civic problems. Residents complain that development has been uneven and largely limited to selected areas like parts of Mayo Hospital. Also, there are major issues of thefts and increasing traffic in locality. Many internal roads in the area remain in poor condition, with potholes and incomplete cement or asphalt work. Drainage is another major concern. Old and narrow drainage lines often choke which lead to sewage water entering homes during the monsoon. In several parts of the area, proper drainage and water supply systems need regular maintenance. Sanitation issues are also serious, with open plots turning into garbage dumping grounds and public gardens lying neglected. Environmental issues like ash pollution from the Koradi thermal power station add to the health concerns of residents.