Maharashtra: Intense Contests and Power Struggles Define Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Election Scene
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 18th November 2024: As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, the entire focus of the state is on the northwestern part of Pune district, which includes four constituencies: Pimpri, Chinchwad, Bhosari, and Maval. These areas `cover a variety of regions, including the twin cities that are renowned globally. Given the intense contests and the current dynamics, the elections in this region remain highly unpredictable. As of now, no clear winner can be predicted, making any victory well-earned and any loss unsurprising in these four constituencies.
These four constituencies are important due to their development, issues, and history of intense political battles. They have also seen significant buildup during the pre-election period, with the drama unfolding from candidate announcements to rebellions and campaign strategies, all adding to the tension.
The following are the four constituencies in the northwestern part of Pune:
1) Pimpri Constituency: With a total of 3.91 lakh voters, Pimpri has always been a stronghold of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). However, with the split within the NCP in 2023, two factions—one led by Ajit Pawar and the other by Sharad Pawar—are now pitted against each other. Many political experts are calling it a battle for ‘honour’ for both factions. Since 2009, the constituency has been reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC), and during this time, the NCP has won twice and Shiv Sena once.
Ajit Pawar is represented by sitting MLA Anna Bansode, while Dr. Sulakshana Shilwant Dhar represents Sharad Pawar’s faction. In the last elections, when the NCP was united, both candidates were competing for the nomination. Media reports suggested that Dr Shilwant was almost confirmed to secure the nomination when, unexpectedly, Anna Bansode filed his nomination, surprising everyone. This battle goes back to that moment.
Currently, many are opposed to sitting MLA Anna Bansode due to significant anti-incumbency sentiment, and some leaders within the Mahayuti reportedly do not support his victory. However, questions are also being raised about Dr Sulakshana Shilwant Dhar’s experience and her connection with ground-level voters, making this a tight contest with no clear favourite to win.
2) Chinchwad Constituency: With 6.63 lakh voters, Chinchwad is the largest constituency in Maharashtra by voter count, and it features a diverse mix of voters from all backgrounds. The traditional family rivalry between the Jagtaps and Kalates is once again in play, as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Shankar Jagtap faces off against Sharad Pawar-led NCP’s Rahul Kalate. Traditionally a stronghold of the NCP, in recent years, the BJP has managed to claim the constituency, with a BJP candidate winning in the last three elections.
Late Laxman Jagtap won in 2014 as an independent, later joined the BJP, and secured victory again in 2019. After his demise in 2023, his wife, Ashwini Jagtap, won the by-election against Rahul Kalate. However, before the campaign began, the Jagtaps faced a significant backlash within the Mahayuti. Initially anticipated as a Jagtap vs. Jagtap battle, sitting MLA Ashwini Jagtap withdrew her aspirations, clearing the way for her brother-in-law, Shankar Jagtap. However, many key leaders within Mahayuti opposed this move and initially refused to campaign, though they were eventually convinced.
On the other side, many from Mahavikas Aghadi, including some from Mahayuti, were ready to rebel, but the NCP gave young former corporator Rahul Kalate a chance. There is growing disappointment with Shankar Jagtap, including anti-incumbency sentiments and allegations of nepotism. Meanwhile, Rahul Kalate, who has contested three times before—once from Shiv Sena and twice as an independent—has yet to win, leaving many questioning whether he has what it takes to secure victory this time.
3) Bhosari Constituency: With 6.08 lakh voters, Bhosari is another complex situation. Sitting MLA Mahesh Landge is aiming for a hat trick, while opposition candidate NCP-SP’s Ajit Gavhane, who rebelled a few months ago from Ajit Pawar-led NCP along with many corporators, is trying to make a point. Landge, who was elected as an independent in 2014, joined the BJP in 2017 during the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections.
On the other hand, Ajit Gavhane was the Pimpri Chinchwad City President of Ajit Pawar’s NCP when the party split in 2023. However, as Mahayuti gave a ticket to Landge, Gavhane rebelled and joined Sharad Pawar’s faction. While Landge is showcasing his work over the past ten years as part of his campaign, Gavhane is criticizing him for corruption and unresolved issues within the constituency. Landge won in 2014 and 2019 due to anti-incumbency sentiments against the then-MLA Vilas Lande, but now Landge finds himself in a similar situation.
There is speculation that many within Mahayuti are still disappointed with Landge for not fulfilling some of his commitments, which could backfire on him. However, one of his advantages is his strong connection with voters at the ground level, effective campaigning, and growing popularity, especially after his speeches went viral in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
On the other hand, Gavhane benefits from being seen as an underdog, with many people rooting for the underdog to win. Additionally, after ten years, anti-incumbency sentiment against Landge could favour Gavhane, as he is considered a “fresh face.” However, Gavhane’s rebellion from Mahayuti to Mahavikas Aghadi for the nomination, along with his lack of experience in the role, leaves some loose ends and makes his path to victory more challenging.
4) Maval Constituency: With 3.83 lakh voters, Maval is the largest constituency in this region by area, known for its pilgrimage sites, tourist attractions, national highways, and rural landscapes. It finds itself in an NCP vs. NCP situation, with sitting MLA Sunil Shelke, representing Ajit Pawar, facing off against Bapu Bhegade, who is representing Sharad Pawar.
Sunil Shelke rebelled against the BJP in 2019 to win in Maval, which was surprising as the constituency had traditionally been a BJP stronghold. Shelke, who was initially from the BJP, was denied a ticket in 2019 when the party nominated former minister Bala Bhegade. However, Shelke went on to win, and his popularity within the constituency remains unmatched. Yet, NCP-SP’s Bapu Bhegade has gained significant ground this time. After the NCP split in 2023, Shelke sided with Ajit Pawar.
Maval, being a rural area with many elderly voters, is also witnessing a sympathy wave for Sharad Pawar, which could work against Shelke. Bapu Bhegade, along with Sharad Pawar’s sympathy, is being directly supported by Bala Bhegade, who is from the BJP. Although Shelke and Bala Bhegade are in the same alliance, Bhegade has chosen to back Bapu Bhegade after the BJP denied him a ticket for this election. Supporters of Bapu Bhegade argue that Shelke, who once asked for just one opportunity, should not be standing for re-election.
However, Bapu Bhegade faces his challenges. Videos have gone viral showing him verbally abusing a female official from the Talegaon Dabhade Nagar Parishad. On the other hand, Sunil Shelke’s popularity is bolstered by support from the sitting MP of Maval, Shrirang Barne, which may work in his favour. But Bapu Bhegade is also receiving backing from his distant relative, Bala Bhegade, who is working against his alliance.
Both leaders have strong connections at the ground level, and their campaigns have somewhat similar momentum. Controversies have arisen on both sides. Two cases have been registered against Shelke for breaching campaign guidelines set by the Election Commission of India (ECI), while Bhegade’s supporters were accused of threatening a female reporter during a news coverage.
With the elections still pending, the situation could become messy and intense, as both sides engage in negative campaigning. It remains difficult to predict a clear winner until the results are declared.
