High drama in Nagpur as BJP workers lock candidate inside home to stop him from withdrawing nomination

Friday was the final day to withdraw nominations for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation election to be held on January 15.

As news spread, Gawande’s supporters protested and allegedly locked his house from the outside, confining him and his family members inside, highlighting internal differences within the Nagpur BJP.

Supporters cited confusion over the ‘AB forms’ as the primary reason for their anger, leading workers to believe that Kisan Gawande was the official party candidate. (Express photo)

During the standoff, Gawande made an emotional appeal to his supporters, stating that while he understood their sentiments, it was his duty to follow the party directive. He reportedly folded his hands and repeatedly requested them to open the lock, but the workers refused, openly expressing their displeasure with the BJP leadership.

Supporters cited confusion over the ‘AB forms’ as the primary reason for their anger, leading workers to believe that Gawande was the official party candidate. The last-minute instruction to withdraw his nomination sparked resentment, with many questioning why the ‘AB form’ had been issued in the first place.

Following the incident, BJP MLC Parinay Fuke arrived at the spot and held discussions with the agitated workers in an attempt to defuse the situation. After prolonged negotiations, the lock was finally opened.

“We will now sit with all the candidates. All the leaders will be present, and we will place their views before (Devendra) Fadnavis saheb. The decision taken by him will be acceptable to everyone. Over the last 20 years, all development works in the Hazari Pahad area have been carried out through Gawande, and they will continue to be carried out through him in the future. Fadnavis saheb will hold discussions with everyone through a video conference. The sentiments of the party workers will certainly be respected,” Fuke told the media.

I have no resentment: Gawande

Talking to The Indian Express, Gawande confirmed that he withdrew his nomination on Friday. “I have no objection to the decision taken by my party seniors. I will campaign for the party in my area. It will take some time to pacify the party workers. I will personally meet everyone tomorrow and explain that we must work for the welfare of the area. I have no resentment,” he said.

Earlier, addressing the media, Gawande had said that the local workers were assured that the area would be given due representation and that no developmental work would face any hurdles. “In this regard, Fadnavis was contacted over the phone by Fuke…and it was decided that the matter would be discussed further,” he said.

He also made it clear that he would not contest the election as an independent candidate. “Whatever the party leadership decides will be acceptable to me. There will be no injustice done to this area,” Gawande said.

Stating that he did not require any assurances from the BJP, Gawande said the party had nurtured him from a young age and had given him many opportunities. “The emotions of the workers will certainly be respected. In some form or another, this area will get representation,” he added.