A tale of two NCPs and Senas
Now, with cadres and voter bases divided between rival factions, political experts expect the battle for political traction in the NMC polls to become even more intense. However, leaders of both Shiv Sena and NCP factions claim to have an edge over their rivals.
"People have taken notice of the work we have done at the ground level. In North Nagpur, we facilitated 3,000 new water connections, which the people have appreciated. In Rambagh, an issue related to the gutter line had been pending for 50 years, and we ensured that the project was completed," said NCP (
Ajit Pawar
faction) leader Prashant Pawar, expressing confidence about his party's performance in the upcoming local polls.
NCP (SP) leader Duneshwar Pethe also expressed optimism about gaining ground in the NMC elections. "It has been just over a year since the NCP split. Before that, all the work was done under the leadership of Sharad Pawar. Is it not shameful that the water problem still exists in Nagpur despite the ruling coalition being in power in the civic body for the last 15 years and over a decade at the state level? People have told us they are fed up with the Mahayuti and want change," he said.
Pethe also outlined the party's development plans for the city. "We will address issues related to school fees and garbage collection. English medium schools will be started under NMC to ensure free education for children. We also need to properly plan hawkers' zones to improve traffic management. Merely building flyovers doesn't enhance the city's beauty," he added.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Nitin Tiwari said people will place their trust in the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction.
"Sena UBT has been at the forefront, fighting for Nagpurians' rights. We have staged multiple agitations, exposed corruption by contractors in civic affairs, and questioned the deterioration of the city's infrastructure. Our party will transform city governance by providing transparent and efficient administration," he told TOI.
His party colleague Kishore Kumeriya said, "The real DNA of Shiv Sainiks is rooted in the teachings of Balasaheb Thackeray, and that spirit resides in UBT.
Sena UBT is filled with grassroots-level workers. Moreover, people have witnessed the commendable work done by Uddhav Thackeray during his tenure as CM."
On the other hand, Shiv Sena (
Eknath Shinde
faction) leader Mangesh Kashikar claimed his party is poised for significant gains. "Our strength is growing, and prominent faces from Sena (UBT) and other parties have joined us. In the coming week, more big names will join. Statistically, we had only two seats in NMC earlier, so there is little to lose. Our internal assessments suggest that we will win 12 seats this time," he said.
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