Pune: Amol Balwadkar’s Emotional Speech and Ajit Pawar’s Critique Mark NCP Ward 9 Event

Baner, 4th January 2026: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) organised a high-energy “Victory Pledge” meeting in Ward 9, drawing large crowds of party workers, women, youth, and senior citizens. The event was marked by enthusiasm and fervour, with an emotional and assertive speech by Amol Ratan Balwadkar leaving a strong impression on the attendees.

Addressing the gathering, Balwadkar condemned in strong terms the injustice faced by party workers who have dedicated the past eleven years of their time, energy, and resources to the party and social service.

He described attempts to deny a long-serving worker the opportunity to contest as akin to a “political murder.” Balwadkar shared the mental struggle he faced after his nomination was rejected, describing the uncertainty of returning home and explaining the situation to his parents.

He recounted that a phone call from Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at a critical moment completely changed the scenario. “Ajitdada acknowledged the injustice done to me and invited me for a discussion. That single meeting gave me a political rebirth,” Balwadkar said. He emphasised that this struggle was essentially “worker versus leader,” and praised Pawar for standing firmly with grassroots workers across the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, speaking at the event, strongly criticised the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) administration. Highlighting issues such as traffic congestion, incomplete roads, potholes, poor waste management, irregular water supply, and rising pollution, he said citizens of Pune are increasingly inconvenienced. Pawar further stressed that fundamental rights like health and education require a capable and responsible administration.

Pawar also lauded the efforts of Ward 9 candidates, saying that Gayatri Mohan Medhe, Baburao Dattoba Chandere, Parvati Ajay Nimhan, and Amol Ratan Balwadkar have consistently worked to address social, civic, and developmental issues in the ward. He urged the public to recognise their efforts and give them the opportunity to bring meaningful change.