Internal revolts, family feuds and boycotts

 

 

As the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections approach, the city’s political landscape is witnessing significant turbulence, with deep-seated internal revolts, family feuds and threats of boycotts reshaping traditional party strongholds. Carrying all the grievances and feuds in the heart, the voters remain the spectators and whether they get influenced by this drama remains to be seen. Parties and activists are socially active in voicing their various concerns occurring in the city. As part of the NMC elections, every party is trying to promote itself while trying to grab the opportunities to win. 

 

 

In a surprising turn for Nagpur’s political heartland, Ninad Dixit, a young volunteer with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and son of Jayant Dixit (former PRO to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari), has filed his candidacy from Prabhag 22 (B). Disillusioned by the current BJP leadership, Dixit is contesting under the All India Contd from page 1 Forward Block banner, backed by a local ‘Nagrik Samiti’. He cites a total failure by sitting BJP councilors to address basic infrastructure, specifically highlighting the closure of municipal schools, poor sanitation and the lack of sports facilities in his ward despite a population of 70,000. Dixit emphasises that his decision is rooted in his commitment to the citizens, stating that his RSS training encourages working for the right cause, regardless of political affiliation. 

 

 

The political divide has hit the home of former BJP Mayor Archana Dehankar in an unprecedented way. Her husband, Vinayakrao Dehankar, after being denied nomination by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has rebelled against the party and entered the elections as an independent candidate for Prabhag 17, encompassing the area with dominance of BJP city unit chief Dayashankar Tiwari. This move led to a public domestic-political crisis, with Archana reportedly leaving her marital home to stay with her parents for some days to demonstrate her loyalty to the BJP. While her husband claims he is fighting for ‘self-respect’ and will not withdraw, Archana remains steadfast in her support for the party’s official stance, even at the cost of her family’s unity. This high-profile rebellion in Prabhag 17 has become a major talking point, illustrating the extreme pressures of ticket distribution. 

 

 

The Congress party, led by MLA Vikas Thakre, is facing a severe crisis as the Sudarshan, Valmiki and Safai Kamgar communities have declared a total boycott of the party for the 2026 elections. In a recent press conference, community leaders expressed deep ‘betrayal,’ stating that despite their decades of loyalty, Congress denied tickets to all candidates proposed by the community across various wards. In contrast, they noted that the BJP honored their community by granting five tickets. Consequently, the society has officially announced a public protest and boycott of Congress party, warning that their large voting population previously a solid Congress bank will now work actively to ensure the party’s defeat in the upcoming polls.

 

 

The nomination of Shreyas Kumbhare, son of incumbent BJP MLA Vikas Kumbhare, has sparked a debate over nepotism within the party. Critics and disgruntled party workers argue that the decision to award a ticket to a family member overlooks seasoned grassroots activists who have served the party for decades. While the party often emphasises a merit-based system, the selection of Shreyas is seen by many as a concession to family legacy, raising concerns about internal morale. This move has become a focal point for the opposition, who are utilising the ‘dynasty politics’ narrative to challenge the BJP’s claim of being a party with a difference in the local body elections. 

 

 

In a massive shock to the BJP, Rohit Khopde, the son of prominent East Nagpur MLA Krishna Khopde, resigned from his primary and active membership of the party. His resignation followed the party’s decision to deny him a ticket for the NMC elections, a move reportedly aimed at curbing family-based candidacies. Rohit’s departure has caused significant unrest in East Nagpur, a region where his family commands substantial influence. This internal fissure threatens the BJP’s consolidation of power in the area, as Khopde’s loyalists may now shift their support away from the official party candidates, creating a precarious situation for the party's local leadership.

 

 

With Nagpur heading into long-due civic elections, failures like the Manish Nagar underpass acquires a political meaning. Voters are not just choosing corporators, they are judging years of oversight, design approvals and maintenance priorities. The civic election will test whether everyday infrastructure breakdowns finally translate into electoral accountability, or remain background noise in city politics.