MAHARASHTRA – As Maharashtra’s municipal elections loom, the air isn't just filled with political promises, but with the acrid smell of rebellion and desperation. Reports from across the state paint a picture of internal turmoil within major parties, as candidates denied nominations resort to protests, independent runs, and even bizarre confrontations. This isn't just about who gets a ticket; it's about the soul of these parties and whether loyalty still matters.
"From car chases to crematoriums" - a chilling phrase capturing the chaotic reality of candidate selection for the upcoming municipal polls.
What began as the usual pre-election jostling has, in many cases, escalated into outright revolt. The sheer volume of protests and independent candidacies signals a deep-seated dissatisfaction, suggesting a disconnect between party leadership and the ground-level workers who often form the backbone of these organizations. Are these isolated incidents of disgruntled individuals, or a systemic breakdown in how political parties select their standard-bearers?
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A Season of Scorn: Protests Erupt Across the Political Spectrum
The nomination deadline has passed, but the storm is far from over. Disgruntled aspirants, particularly within the BJP and the Congress, have turned the election process into a public spectacle.
In Nashik, the situation reached a fever pitch as disgruntled BJP aspirants were reportedly seen chasing vehicles carrying "AB forms" – the official nomination documents issued by parties. This desperate act underscores the intensity of their frustration.
The chaos wasn't confined to chasing vehicles. In Nashik's ward number 26, a heated argument erupted between BJP office-bearer Kailas Ahire and MLA Seema Hiray over the distribution of these crucial AB forms. Who holds the power to decide who gets a ticket, and on what basis?
Nagpur also witnessed scenes of discontent, with BJP workers protesting outside the residence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari after being denied tickets. Is protesting at a senior leader's home a sign of deep anger or a calculated move to garner sympathy?
Even Shiv Sena (UBT) wasn't immune. Aspirants protested outside ‘Matoshree’, the residence of party president Uddhav Thackeray, signaling their dismay. What does this say about internal party democracy when aspirants feel they have to appeal directly to the top leader outside formal channels?
In Chembur's ward number 155, BJP aspirants Jayshree Kharat, Harsh Salve, and Shashikala Kamble took a drastic step: filing nominations as independents. Their grievance? The party allegedly gave a ticket to Shrikant Shetye, a former corporator who had switched from Shiv Sena (UBT) just two days prior. Is party loyalty being sacrificed for opportunistic defections?
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| Party Affected | City/Region | Incident Type | Key Figures/Locations Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| BJP | Nashik | Chasing AB form vehicles, arguments over tickets | Kailas Ahire, Seema Hiray, vehicles carrying AB forms |
| BJP | Nagpur | Protests outside Union Minister's residence | Nitin Gadkari |
| Shiv Sena (UBT) | Mumbai (Bandra) | Protests outside party president's residence | Uddhav Thackeray, Matoshree |
| BJP | Chembur | Aspirants filing as independents after ticket denied | Jayshree Kharat, Harsh Salve, Shashikala Kamble, Shrikant Shetye |
| BJP | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | Ghareo of Minister and MP | Atul Save, Bhagwat Karad |
The Congress Conundrum: From "Mission 100" to Independent Rebellion
While the BJP grapples with its own internal strife, the Congress faces a different, yet equally damaging, challenge: a significant number of its aspirants are choosing to fight as independents, defying the party's official line.
In Nagpur, around 150 Congress leaders, including over 10 former corporators, have reportedly withdrawn their nomination papers. However, the narrative quickly shifts from unity to rebellion. Despite claims from the Nagpur City (District) Congress Committee President, Vikas Thakre, that "no rebels remained in the fray," names like Purushottam Hazare (Prabhag-25), Rashmi Uikey (Prabhag-10), Arun Dawre (Prabhag-12), Amar Bagde (Prabhag-13), Asha Uikey (Prabhag-8), Jishan Mumtaz Mohammed Irfan Ansari (Prabhag-8), and Farhan Khan Kurban Khan (Prabhag-19) have emerged, now resolved to contest as independents.
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The Congress claims unity and no rebels, yet a significant number of former corporators and leaders are contesting independently. How can this be reconciled?
This situation raises critical questions:
If these leaders are withdrawing their official papers, on whose behalf are they now contesting?
What leverage do these "rebels" hold that makes them confident in winning as independents against the party's official candidates?
Is the party's claim of "Mission 100 Nagarsevak" a genuine aspiration or a tactic to mask deep divisions?
The defiance suggests a profound disillusionment, potentially stemming from years of waiting for a ticket or a feeling that the party leadership is out of touch with the grassroots. The Congress's stated goal of returning to power after 19 years seems to be facing an internal hurdle created by its own members.
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Loyalty vs. Leverage: The Shifting Sands of Political Alliances
A recurring theme in this election cycle is the alleged prioritization of newcomers or defectors over long-standing party loyalists. This practice, seen prominently in the BJP, has ignited resentment.
In Chembur, the decision to grant a ticket to Shrikant Shetye, a former Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator who joined the BJP just days before the nomination deadline, is a stark example. This move alienated dedicated BJP aspirants who had likely worked for the party for years, only to be sidelined by a recent entrant.
Is the party rewarding loyalty, or are they chasing perceived electoral viability, regardless of the source?
What message does this send to dedicated party workers about their future prospects?
In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, BJP candidates reportedly "gheraoed" (surrounded) Minister Atul Save and BJP MP Bhagwat Karad. What specific demands led to such a strong public protest?
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The situation in Thane, where the local BJP unit reportedly expressed a desire to contest the elections independently, further highlights internal rifts. While state BJP president Ravindra Chavan appointed former MP Poonam Mahajan as poll-in-charge for Vasai-Virar, this move came on the heels of a controversial statement by BJP member Kripa Shankar Singh suggesting the next mayor could be from the North Indian community. This points to potential fault lines within the party concerning community representation and candidate selection strategies.
Beyond the Ticket: What Does This Chaos Reveal?
The widespread unrest over ticket distribution is more than just a pre-election squabble; it's a symptom of deeper issues within Maharashtra's political landscape.
Erosion of Party Structure: When aspirants feel the need to chase official documents or protest at leaders' homes, it suggests a breakdown in established communication and decision-making channels within parties.
Quest for Power: The willingness of some long-term workers to contest as independents, even if it means risking alienating their own party, indicates a desperate ambition for power and representation.
Leadership Disconnect: The sheer volume of grievances implies that party leadership may be out of touch with the sentiment and contributions of their grassroots workers.
Opportunism vs. Ideology: The practice of rewarding defectors over loyalists raises questions about whether political parties are driven by ideology and commitment or simply by the pursuit of power, irrespective of the moral implications.
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This period of intense internal conflict within parties, as reported from cities like Nashik, Nagpur, Chembur, and Thane, serves as a critical juncture. The outcome of these municipal polls will not only determine local governance but also offer a glimpse into the health and stability of Maharashtra's major political forces. Are these parties adaptable enough to manage internal dissent, or are they on the verge of a significant internal fracturing? The coming days will reveal whether these protests are merely ripples or the beginnings of a political earthquake.
Sources:
Deccan Herald: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maharashtra/from-car-chases-to-crematoriums-maharashtra-parties-reel-under-civic-poll-ticket-chaos-3847295
The New Indian Express: https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Dec/31/civic-polls-car-chases-crematorium-drama-cap-nomination-chaos-in-maharashtra-2
National Herald India: https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/politics/maharashtra-civic-polls-ticket-row-triggers-unrest-among-ruling-party-aspirants
The Indian Express: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/nomination-ends-bjp-damage-control-placate-aspirants-denied-party-ticket-10450342/
The Hitavada: https://www.thehitavada.com/Encyc/2026/1/3/sombre-mood-in-cong-camp.html
IANS Live: https://ianslive.in/maha-municipal-polls-state-witnesses-a-unrest-and-protests-across-parties-over-ticket-distribution—20251230232708
News Drum: https://www.newsdrum.in/national/nagpur-civic-polls-miffed-over-ticket-denial-some-long-time-bjp-workers-to-fight-as-independents-10963833
Lokmat Times: https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/pune-municipal-polls-shiv-sena-candidate-swallows-aspirants-ab-form-ticket-chaos-in-ncp-factions/
The Week: https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2024/09/12/des69-hr-cong-ld-resentment.html
