BJP Sparks Row in Loha: NCP’s Chikhalikar Slams Party for Fielding Six Members of One Family in Civic Polls

Mumbai: A major political stir has erupted in Loha ahead of the Nagar Parishad elections after NCP MLA Pratap Patil Chikhalikar launched a sharp attack on the BJP for fielding what he called an “entire family” as official candidates. The decision, he said, reflects poor candidate selection and raises serious questions about the BJP’s stand on nepotism.

Chikhalikar criticised the BJP for nominating six members of the Suryavanshi family, including party leader Gajanand Suryavanshi, who has been put forward for the post of chairman. His wife, brother, sister-in-law and other close relatives have also been given tickets, triggering widespread discussion across Nanded district.

According to Chikhalikar, the BJP’s choice shows the party is struggling to identify and promote diverse local leadership. “When one family gets almost all the tickets, what message does it send to other loyal party workers?” he asked, adding that such an approach goes against the BJP’s own loud criticism of dynastic politics.

The issue has quickly become the dominant topic in Loha’s election climate, overshadowing development promises and campaign events. Opposition parties have seized the moment, accusing the BJP of hypocrisy and internal weakness. Many local residents too have questioned whether such a narrow selection can truly represent the broader population.

The controversy deepened after the BJP failed to field even a single candidate in the Biloli Nagar Parishad, prompting speculation about its organisational preparedness in Nanded district.

Elections for 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats across Maharashtra, including Loha, will be held on December 2, with counting scheduled for December 3. Loha is headed for a triangular contest involving the BJP, the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), and the Congress.