‘Don’t be arrogant, keep the victory chariot moving’: Maharashtra CM Fadnavis to elected BJP corporators

“While reviewing election statistics from the past 30 years, it is clear that this year we have set records on multiple fronts. We have secured an overwhelming mandate from the people. Nagpur, in particular, has witnessed a historic victory. We have dismantled the strongholds of several Opposition leaders and established a Congress-free municipal council in Saoner. For the first time since Kamptee’s establishment, we have been elected; that’s another record. Since yesterday (Sunday), I have been receiving congratulatory messages from many quarters, but this victory belongs to all of you seated here today (the elected representatives) and our dedicated karyakartas and leaders,” Fadnavis said.

Calling the victory unprecedented, the CM said the Congress has been wiped out from several towns, including Bhiwapur, Umred and Ramtek.

“The impact of this victory should now be clearly reflected in the upcoming municipal corporation election. Keep the chariot of victory moving forward. Do not be carried away by success or become arrogant. Remember, this victory is a certificate of our work,” CM Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis also remarked that it is the politics of trust and development practised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that has helped the party win elections. “We have accepted the responsibility of development in all these towns across Maharashtra. Urban life must be improved, and there should be a qualitative transformation in it,” he highlighted.

Bawankule’s assurance

Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who is also the guardian minister of Nagpur, thanked the voters of Nagpur district, saying people voted with faith in the ‘double-engine government’. He said the state government has sanctioned development works worth Rs 6,500 crore for the district, including irrigation projects, roads and District Planning Committee (DPC) funds.

He also acknowledged that the responsibility now lies with the newly elected representatives to deliver visible improvements in urban life. “We sought votes on the agenda of development, in line with the vision of a Vikasit Maharashtra by the CM, and the people have endorsed this approach by voting for development in the region,” Bawankule said.

He also assured the CM that the Nagpur Municipal Corporation will also remain under Mahayuti leadership.

Bawankule said the party had given organisational strength priority even before the elections by restructuring wards and divisions while forming new Nagar Panchayats. He said conventions were organised across 27 municipal councils and Nagar Panchayats, and candidates were finalised based on surveys. “Unfortunately, some aspirants who did not get tickets chose to contest from other parties,” he said. Bawankule also apologised to CM Devendra Fadnavis over poor performance in certain regions such as Katol and Mohpa.

Leaders at the meeting stated that the Gondwana Gantantra Party, which won the Butibori Nagar Parishad, is also expected to merge with the BJP soon. Seventeen Nagar Sevaks from GGP were elected in Butibori, while only four from the BJP won the election.