Nagpur: As the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections enter their final hours, the city is witnessing an intense and colourful campaign, with candidates pulling out all stops to secure crucial voter support. Beyond routine rallies and door-to-door canvassing, political aspirants across party lines are turning to unconventional methods such as hosting biryani feasts, organising mushairas and arranging informal gatherings to strengthen their connect with voters.
With polling scheduled for January 15, campaigning has reached a fever pitch across all 151 prabhags. While senior party leaders continue to address large public meetings, promising development, better civic services and transparent governance, ward-level candidates are focusing on personalised engagement. Several aspirants are quietly ensuring that supporters are treated to meals and refreshments, reflecting a long-standing but unofficial tradition that gains momentum as election day approaches.
Over the weekend, select localities saw discreet dinner parties and cultural programmes aimed at mobilising support at the grassroots level. Such outreach efforts, though rarely acknowledged openly, are viewed as an attempt to convert goodwill into actual votes in what is expected to be a closely contested civic election.
Adding to the charged political environment is the buzz in Nagpur’s informal ‘satta bazaar’, where speculation over the election outcome has intensified. Sources suggest active betting on party prospects, with widespread talk of a single political outfit possibly emerging with a clear majority. While these trends remain unofficial and have no bearing on the democratic process, they often mirror prevailing public sentiment ahead of major polls.
Voting for the NMC elections will take place on January 15, with the results slated to be declared on January 16. As campaigning draws to a close, candidates are making frantic last-minute appeals, voters are weighing their choices, and the city stands on the cusp of a decisive verdict that will shape Nagpur’s civic administration for the next term.
