Narendra Jichkar’s nomination cleared for Nagpur West, stage set for high-stakes triangular contest

Nagpur: The challenge to the nomination form of Independent candidate Narendra Jichkar for the Nagpur West assembly seat was rejected on Thursday, clearing the way for what promises to be a keenly contested triangular race. Jichkar, who was expelled from the Congress party, when he was general secretary of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), is challenging city Congress president and sitting MLA Vikas Thakre. The third major candidate is BJP's former MLA Sudhakar Kohale, which only makes the fight more interesting.The scrutiny process unfolded under strict watch, with an objection filed by fellow candidate Rajesh Janrao Gopale, claiming that Jichkar's business interests posed a conflict with Section 9A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. In his objection against Jichkar's affidavit to returning officer Vivek Salunke, Gopale, also an independent candidate, had raised concerns over Jichkar's affiliations with two companies — Anjanikrupa Logistics Pvt Ltd, and Garuda Amusement Park Nagpur Pvt Ltd — alleging a conflict of interest.Gopale argued that Jichkar's affiliations with these companies, which were involved in govt contracts, should disqualify him. Gopale asserted that these contracts with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), and Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) could give Jichkar an unfair advantage.In response, Jichkar's legal team presented evidence confirming his resignation as director of both companies in September 2024, a month prior to his filing nomination on October 28. His defence cited Supreme Court precedents supporting his compliance with Section 9A, arguing that his timely resignation nullified any potential conflicts. The returning officer concluded that Jichkar met all eligibility criteria and dismissed the objection due to insufficient grounds, thereby clearing his nomination.Jichkar's candidacy now shapes the Nagpur West election into a high-stakes contest between three prominent contenders. While Thakre seeks to retain the seat for the Congress, Kohale aims to reclaim it for the BJP, which previously held it. As an influential former Congress leader and new independent candidate, Jichkar's campaign is expected to draw significant attention and could impact vote distribution across party lines. With Jichkar's eligibility confirmed, the Nagpur West Assembly constituency now faces a triangular battle, amplifying anticipation in what has already become one of the most closely watched races in the state.Nagpur West constituency has a total of 33 nominations. Following scrutiny, 29 nominations were approved, representing 22 candidates who successfully met the eligibility requirements, while four were rejected during verification. Candidates have until November 4 to withdraw from the contest. Voting is scheduled for November 20, and results will be announced on November 23.
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