Nagpur Graduates MoLC: High Tension As Congress-BJP Workers Come Face-To-Face During Counting; Heavy Police Force Deployed Before Final Result

NAGPUR: Tension gripped Nagpur as Congress and BJP workers came face-to-face at the vote counting centre for the Nagpur Division Graduates’ Constituency, even before the final result was declared, forcing police to deploy a large force and appeal for peace.

 Congress workers started premature celebrations claiming victory for sitting MLC *Abhijit Wanjari*, bursting crackers and raising slogans against BJP. BJP workers objected, leading to heated arguments and slogan war. Police had to intervene and separate both groups.

Counting Status (Official Oct 28, 09:56 AM):

After 1st Round: Wanjari (Congress) 28,998 leads Kohale (BJP) 28,071  margin 927

After 2nd Round: Kohale (BJP) 60,924 leads Wanjari (Congress) 56,630 margin 4,294

Independent Nitesh Karale: 24,249 votes (3rd)

Invalid votes: 15,106 out of 84,003+ polled

Winning Quota: 75,438  not reached by anyone yet

 Officials said the final winner will be decided only after counting and transfer of second and third preference votes, as per the proportional representation system for MLC Graduates seats.

Context:

 The election held on Oct 23 recorded 72.96% turnout among 10.68 lakh voters across 5 MLC seats (Pune, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Graduates; Pune and Amravati Teachers). Counting began Oct 27.

Nagpur Graduates is a prestige battle BJP and its predecessor Jana Sangh held it for nearly 58 years till Congress’s Wanjari defeated Sandip Joshi in 2020. BJP fielded former MLA Sudhakar Kohale this time, after internal dissent from former MLC Anil Sole who had threatened to contest as independent but later backed Kohale after CM Devendra Fadnavis visited his home.

 Meanwhile, Congress infighting is also visible  former minister Nitin Raut reportedly distanced himself from Wanjari campaign, adding to speculation.

 Police said situation is under control, both sides warned not to declare victory before official declaration by Election Commission.