Clock is winding down: Former CM Ashok Chavan in veiled swipe at NCP MLA Chikhalikar

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Chavan on Friday took an indirect swipe at NCP MLA Pratap Patil Chikhalikar, without naming him, saying that "the clock (party symbol of NCP) is slowly stopping in Nanded and the big challenge is to keep it ticking." Chavan made the statement while speaking to media at the Nanded Waghala Municipal Corporation. This was the first media interaction by Chavan in the presence of newly elected mayor Kavita Mule, deputy mayor Deepak Rawat and house leader Mahesh Kanakdande. Chavan outlined the civic body's development roadmap for the next 100 days. He presented details of the proposed works and priorities, triggering political discussion in local circles. While reviewing development work in Nanded city, Chavan made veiled remarks aimed at Chikhalikar. The BJP emerged the single largest party in the Nanded Waghala Municipal Corporation in the election held last month. The NCP, on the other hand, could secure only one seat.The BJP returned to power in the civic body after 28 years, installing its mayor with a clear majority. Party leaders credit Chavan with playing a key role in strategising and steering the campaign that led to the victory. The party also secured significant success in municipal council and nagar panchayat polls across Nanded district, winning control in three talukas.Political observers pointed out that following the sliding electoral gains by the BJP, Chavan's stature within the party has grown, with the BJP gaining control of the municipal corporation for the first time. Party insiders said the election strategy in the district was largely entrusted to him, and the recent results have further consolidated his influence in local politics.Chavan said the focus over the next 100 days would be on accelerating stalled development projects and restoring administrative momentum in the city, reiterating that keeping "the clock ticking" in Nanded would require coordinated effort and political will.