BJP’s stiff test in Cong’s backyard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prabhag 38, the smallest ward within the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) limits, has long been identified as a Congress stronghold and is set to witness a keenly fought contest in the upcoming civic elections. Despite the BJP holding power at both the Centre and the State, the Prabhag remains a difficult terrain for the party, which is making sustained efforts to break into an area that delivered a clean sweep to the Congress in the last election. With only three corporator seats and a changed reservation pattern, candidate selection has emerged as a critical challenge for all parties. Geographically located at the city’s outer edge, Prabhag 38 stretches across Jaitala, Hingna Naka, Takli Seem and Shivangaon. Rapid construction of multi-storey buildings in recent years has brought in new residents from other parts of the city, altering voter dynamics. At the same time, the ward also has a substantial population of daily wage earners and economically weaker sections, making direct voter outreach essential.

 

 

In the 2017 civic polls, the Congress recorded a decisive clean sweep in Prabhag 38, winning all three seats and reaffirming its dominance. Ujjwala Bankar, Prafull Gudhade and Pranita Shahane secured convincing victories over BJP candidates, with margins ranging from nearly 1,000 to over 3,500 votes. The results underlined the Congress’ organisational depth and strong connect with Scheduled Caste voters. The BJP, however, is determined to make inroads this time. While former corporator Prafull Gudhade and BJP youth leader Parendra Patle remained active in the area, both were affected by the reservation draw. With two seats now reserved for OBC women and general women, and one for Scheduled Castes, both parties are engaged in intensive internal deliberations to identify suitable candidates.

 

 

Prabhag 38 has 47,216 voters, of whom 11,438 belong to the Scheduled Castes, making them a decisive electoral bloc. The ward also has a sizeable OBC population and a growing number of middle-income families residing in newly developed housing complexes. “Here, elections are decided more by personal contact than by big rallies,” said Sanjay Wankhede, a resident of Jaitala. “People expect candidates to be accessible and responsive.”

 

 

Despite its small size, the Prabhag faces several persistent civic issues. The Jaitala market continues to suffer from congestion due to lack of a designated vending space. “Traffic chaos is routine because the market has no proper layout,” said Rekha Meshram, a local shopkeeper. Residents also complain about inadequate public toilets, shortage of gardens and playgrounds, and unchecked encroachments. “Our area is expanding, but basic amenities are missing,” said Ramesh Banote of Takli Seem. Illegal slums near Yashoda Nagar school and rising parking problems have further fuelled resentment. With a strong Congress base, an aggressive BJP push and limited influence of other parties, Prabhag 38 is set for a direct and closely watched Congress-versus-BJP battle.