Nagpur: The Maharashtra Legislative Council bypoll from Nagpur’s Local Authorities constituency is shaping into a high-stakes political contest between two sharply contrasting faces — BJP-backed physician and social worker Dr Rajiv Potdar and Congress’s combative state spokesperson Atul Londhe.The seat fell vacant after revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule entered the Maharashtra Assembly following the 2024 elections, turning the bypoll into a symbolic battle for political dominance in Nagpur, long considered a BJP stronghold.BJP has projected Dr Potdar as a consensus-oriented candidate with organisational roots and a public-service image shaped during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the party highlighted his role in providing healthcare support across Nagpur. His candidature was finalised by BJP’s central leadership as part of the Mahayuti alliance’s broader strategy to consolidate local body votes in Vidarbha.Congress, meanwhile, has fielded Atul Londhe, one of Maharashtra Congress’s most visible spokespersons and an aggressive critic of the BJP-led state and Union govts. Londhe has frequently led the opposition’s charge on inflation, fuel prices and governance issues.According to political observers, the election, though indirect, carries wider political implications because the electorate comprises corporators, municipal councillors, and local authority representatives. BJP functionaries claim the Mahayuti alliance enjoys a strong numerical edge in Nagpur, with support from Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.Yet, Congress functionaries believe dissatisfaction within sections of local bodies and the possibility of cross-voting could make the contest politically uncomfortable for the ruling alliance.Londhe told TOI that he is contesting to protect democracy and ensure stronger public representation. He said corporators elected by citizens understood local issues and would support candidates who raised people’s concerns effectively. “Unemployment, paper leak cases, farmers’ distress, irregularities in welfare schemes, and concerns surrounding projects like Mihan would remain key campaign issues. Several public concerns are being ignored by the Mahayuti alliance. The election offers an opportunity to raise them forcefully in the Legislative Council. I am receiving a positive response from local body representatives across Nagpur,” Londhe said.Potdar said the BJP alliance enjoys a clear numerical advantage among the 826 eligible voters. “I thank the BJP leadership for selecting me. My long association with party workers and local representatives strengthened support for my candidature. Mahayuti has around 580 votes, and our victory is guaranteed,” Potdar said, adding that the alliance remained united and fully committed to development.Potdar said that after the election, his focus would be on ensuring faster development works and delivering justice to the “last person in society” through stronger coordination with local self-govt institutions.Polling for the Legislative Council elections will be held on June 18, while counting is scheduled for June 22.
