N-Day: Parties keep names under wraps

A day before the filing of nominations got underway,parties sounded cautious. “We have shortlisted candidates for the civic polls and sent the list to the state parliamentary board for final stamp of approval,” said senior Congress leader Patangrao Kadam,who is also the State Forest Minister. According to local Congress leaders,the party has shortlisted the names of as many 450 candidates for the 152 seats in PMC — roughly three for each seat.

NCP was the first party to complete interviews of its probable candidates. “The party has identified its candidates and given a green signal,” said an NCP leader. On certain seats,the NCP does not have strong candidates,he said. “We are keeping a watch on probables from other parties that would contest on NCP ticket.”

The alliance of Shiv Sena,BJP and RPI is yet to finalise its seat-sharing formula. “Discussions are still on. The candidates’ list will be finalised only after seat sharing talks are over,” said BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari. The party has interviewed around 350 probables. Bhandari said the filing of nomination would gain momentum after January 26.

The election offices in both PMC and PCMC now all set to accept nomination forms. They would be collecting the forms at respective ward offices,which act as returning offices for polls. The candidate is supposed to submit relevant documents with the form to avoid disqualification. “Those accepting nomination forms would also make an entry of each candidate and their details in the web based system so that the information is available to the election office. After filing for nomination,it is also necessary for the candidate to furnish the details of expenditure for election campaign by the end of each day. This,too,will be with immediate effect,” said Sunita Nalawade,deputy chief accountant,PMC.

Meanwhile,Dalit Panther and the Congress have joined hands for the civic polls. The alliance for western Maharashtra was declared by Namdeo Dhasal of Dalit Panther and Kadam in the presence of other party leaders in the city. The move is considered significant since Republican Party of India,considered an offshoot of Dalit Panther,has partnered with the saffron combine in Mumbai.

“Dalit Panther has decided to go with Congress in Pune,PCMC and western Maharashtra. Dalit leadership has not been able to gain substantial representation in the Legislative Assembly and local bodies. Alliance with a national party is an adjustment for Dalit betterment,” said Dhasal at a joint press conference held by Congress and Dalit Panther.

On the question pertaining to Panther joining Congress in the backdrop of RPI shaking hands with the saffron alliance in Mumbai,Dhasal said,“I was never convinced when Athavle decided to join the saffron alliance. Our decision to join the Congress is purely for the betterment of lives in urban areas and not necessarily on an ideological level.” The party is aiming for five seats from PMC and three from PCMC area,he added.

The meeting of Congress Card Committee was held on Monday at the Congress Bhavan. Party leaders said the State Parliamentary Board will meet on Wednesday and the first list is expected within two-three days.