The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday, December 30, drew criticism for fielding relatives of Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar in the Brihanmumbai
Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, a move seen as contradicting its stated opposition to dynastic politics in civic polls.
The BJP has given tickets to three members of Narwekar’s family — his brother and former corporator Makarand Narwekar, sister-in-law Harshita Narwekar, and cousin Gauravi Shivalkar-Narwekar — for the upcoming BMC elections.
Defending the party’s decision, Rahul Narwekar said the candidates were chosen based on their performance in their respective civic wards. “There is no one to contest against Makarand or Harshita because of their good work. I don’t think the Opposition has any chance of winning these seats. The party will retain them for sure,” he told reporters.
The move has raised eyebrows as the BJP has repeatedly maintained that it discourages dynastic politics, particularly in local body elections. According to PTI, the three candidates are expected to file their nomination papers in the presence of the Assembly Speaker.
Elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the BMC, are scheduled to be held on January 15, with counting to take place the following day. The last date for filing nominations is Tuesday, while withdrawals are allowed until January 2.
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