Congress Picks Ravindra Dhangekar to Take on BJP’s Murlidhar Mohol for Pune Lok Sabha Seat
Mubarak Ansari & Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 21st March 2024: With the BJP’s announcement of former Mayor Murlidhar Mohol as its candidate for the Pune Lok Sabha Constituency, attention turned to the Congress’s choice for the upcoming elections. After facing defeats in the last two elections, the Congress aimed to field a strong contender to challenge the BJP’s dominance. MLA Dhangekar, who secured victory over the BJP in the Kasba Peth assembly constituency by-election, pushed for the Lok Sabha candidacy, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the two major parties.
Today, the Congress released its list of candidates for seven Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra, with MLA Dhangekar securing a spot on the roster.
The selection process witnessed significant interest, with a queue of aspirants vying for the opportunity to represent Pune in the Lok Sabha. Among the contenders were Dhangekar, former MLA Mohan Joshi, city president Arvind Shinde, Balasaheb Shivarkar, Aba Bagul, and Abhay Chhajed. Following deliberations at the City Congress level and subsequent submission to the State Congress, Dhangekar, Joshi, and Bagul emerged as key contenders in the final stages.
An internal survey conducted by the Congress post-Mohol’s nomination revealed Dhangekar’s rising popularity, tipping the scales in his favor. His successful tenure as MLA, particularly his victory in the Kasba by-election, underscored his appeal as a formidable candidate against the BJP’s stronghold in Pune.
In the past year, Dhangekar’s political fortunes have soared, buoyed by his grassroots activism and the Congress’s strategic positioning. Despite internal challenges within rival parties like Shiv Sena and NCP, Dhangekar’s momentum remains robust, setting the stage for a competitive Lok Sabha contest.
Facing off against former mayor Mohol, Dhangekar’s candidacy promises to inject vitality into Pune’s political landscape. All eyes are now on the upcoming elections to gauge the outcome of this anticipated showdown.
