Nagpur: The lone BSP corporator in Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) emerged as the kingmaker in the Ashi Nagar zone sabhapati (mini mayor) election, tipping the scales in favour of Congress and altering what was expected to be a straightforward win for the AIMIM-IUML alliance.Congress corporator Asif Sheikh secured victory after BSP’s Harshala Jaiswal extended crucial support, while the BJP’s sole corporator in the zone chose to remain neutral during voting. Ashi Nagar was the only zone among the 10 to witness polling, with all others seeing largely unopposed outcomes.The contest in Ashi Nagar turned intense with Congress fielding Asif Sheikh against AIMIM candidate Alisha Faheem Khan. The alliance comprising AIMIM (3 corporators) and IUML (4 corporators under the banner of Bahujan Muslim Vikas Sangh) was confident of clinching the post and reached out to Jaiswal to secure the majority mark in the 16-member panel.However, last-minute political developments changed the outcome. BSP leader Sanjay Jaiswal revealed that internal rifts within the AIMIM camp over nominated corporator post led to the withdrawal of support. “On Friday morning, we decided to back Congress,” Jaiswal said.This shift proved decisive, enabling Congress to edge past the alliance despite the tight arithmetic. Meanwhile, BJP won sabhapati posts in eight zones unopposed. The party fielded all-women candidates, continuing its emphasis on women representation in civic bodies. The winners include Lakshmi Yadav (Laxmi Nagar), Dhanashree Deshpande (Dharampeth), Jyoti Deoghare (Hanuman Nagar), Bharti Bunde (Dhantoli), Seema Domne (Nehru Nagar), Uma Deshmukh (Gandhibagh), Abhiruchi Rajgirhe (Satranjipura) and Mahsree Bisen (Lakadganj).Congress registered an unopposed victory in Mangalwari zone, backed by its clear majority of 11 corporators against BJP’s five. Here, first-time corporator Seema Dawre become the zone sabhapati. # 1-VOTE LOSS RILES AIMIM AIMIM and Muslim League leaders Shakil Patel and Aslam Khan Mulla alleged that Congress, with BSP’s support, sided with “oppressors” in the Ashi Nagar zone sabhapati election. They claimed AIMIM nominee Alisha Faheem Khan, wife of Mahal riots case accused Faheem Khan, lost by one vote despite appeals for an uncontested poll. They said the defeat undermines the united fight of Muslim, Dalit, Adivasi and other marginalised communities against BJP, vowing to continue the struggle. # BJP’s Rupali Thakur chief of fire panelIn a parallel development, BJP corporator Rupali Thakur was elected chairperson of the Fire and Electricity Special Committee. Lakhan Yerawar was elected deputy chairperson. District collector Kumar Ashirwad acted as the presiding officer for the election held at the Nagpur Municipal Corporation headquarters. BJP secured both top posts without any major opposition challenge.# One-year tenureAs per civic norms, the tenure of the committee chairperson, along with zonal sabhapatis, will be for one year. This limited tenure often results in fast-tracked decision-making.
