Nagpur: Nearly 3 months after civic polls, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is set to fill 10 nominated corporator posts in the April 20 general body meeting, with the ruling BJP poised to further cement its dominance in the House. Backed by 102 corporators, BJP is expected to secure seven of the 10 seats, reflecting its overwhelming numerical strength.The political spotlight, however, has shifted to the Congress camp — where likely nomination of city Congress president Vikas Thakre’s son Ketan — has triggered sharp reactions, with rivals terming it “backdoor entry” into electoral politics.Ketan, who did not contest the recent civic polls, is among the frontrunners for nomination. Sources said he was initially expected to contest from the Dharampeth zone but chose to stay away amid apprehensions of a tough contest. His possible entry through nomination is being viewed as a strategic move by Congress to induct him into active politics without facing the electoral test. Party insiders, however, argue that nominations are meant to recognise organisational work and public connect, not merely electoral victories.Businessman Atul Kotecha, also in fray from Congress, with the party, which has 34 corporators, likely to secure 2 nominated seats.As part of alliance adjustments, BJP is expected to allocate one nominated seat to its ally, Shiv Sena (Shinde), while AIMIM, with six corporators, is set to get one seat. From the BJP, the names of Sanjay Thakre, Jitu Thakur, Subodh Acharya, Ritesh Gawande, Devendra Meher, and Vinod Baghel are almost considered final. BJP alone has reportedly received more than 700 applications, while the Congress has seen more than 300 aspirants. Sources said BJP has finalised names of 6 nominated corporators.Zonal chairperson polls will be held on April 17. While BJP is comfortably placed in 8 zones, Congress in Mangalwari, Ashi Nagar remains sole battleground. Like chairpersons of all committees, BJP may nominate women corporators to head the zones. Even Congress may nominate Seema Dawre as Mangalwari zone chairperson.
