Nagpur: In a rare display of political cordiality amid the high-voltage Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) election campaign, leaders from rival parties were seen sharing a light moment during door-to-door campaigning in Prabhag (Ward) No. 23 on Sunday, January 11.

The incident occurred when BJP leader Balya Borkar and NCP leader Duneshwar Pethe unexpectedly crossed paths while canvassing votes for their respective candidates. Despite representing opposing political ideologies, both leaders greeted each other warmly and briefly interacted in a friendly manner, drawing attention from local residents and party workers present at the spot.

Eyewitnesses said the exchange stood out against the otherwise competitive and aggressive tone of the ongoing civic polls. The leaders were seen seeking support from voters in the same locality, and their cordial interaction was widely appreciated by locals, who viewed it as a refreshing moment of mutual respect during electioneering.

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections are scheduled to be held on January 15, with all political parties intensifying their campaigns across the city’s wards. Prabhag 23, considered politically significant, has witnessed heightened campaigning by major parties, including the BJP, NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena (UBT), as candidates make last-minute efforts to woo voters.

Political observers noted that while electoral rivalry remains fierce, such moments of civility underline the democratic spirit of the civic polls. The light-hearted exchange between Borkar and Pethe has since become a talking point in the ward, highlighting that political differences need not always translate into personal hostility.

As the polling date draws closer, Nagpur continues to witness a mix of intense campaigning and occasional moments of political bonhomie on the ground.