Political Drama in Pune: Friendly Contest Averted as BJP’s Mulik, NCP’s Dhankawade Withdraw Candidatures After Last-Minute Calls from Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar

Reported by Mubarak Ansari & Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 29th October 2024: A political tug-of-war between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) unfolded in the Khadakwasla and Vadgaonsheri constituencies in Pune today. A “friendly contest” seemed likely until last-minute calls from Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar halted the candidacies of BJP’s Jagdish Mulik and NCP’s Datta Dhankawade.
The Grand Alliance (Mahayuti) had initially planned to engage in a friendly fight in both Vadgaonsheri and Khadakwasla constituencies. Former MLA Jagdish Mulik from BJP and former mayor Datta Dhankawade from NCP were set to contest these seats. However, just as both Mulik and Dhankawade were preparing to file their nomination papers, phone calls from Fadnavis and Pawar, respectively, changed the course of events.
BJP’s Mulik Withdraws After Fadnavis Call
Pune, which has eight assembly constituencies, saw intense backroom negotiations over the allocation of seats. While Vadgaonsheri and Hadapsar were allotted to the NCP under Ajit Pawar’s leadership, BJP decided to contest the remaining six seats, including Khadakwasla, Kothrud, Parvati, Shivajinagar, Kasba Peth and Pune Cantonment. Jagdish Mulik, a former MLA, had expressed interest in contesting the Lok Sabha elections but was denied candidature. He then shifted his focus to the upcoming assembly elections.
With current Vadgaonsheri MLA Sunil Tingre (NCP) embroiled in controversy due to his alleged involvement in the high-profile Porsche case, there were rumors that Tingre’s candidacy might be rejected. However, Ajit Pawar stood by Tingre, nominating him for the seat once again. Displeased, Mulik prepared to enter the race against Tingre, receiving the go-ahead from BJP leaders earlier in the day.
Mulik made a grand entry at the Election Returning Officer’s office, surrounded by supporters, to file his nomination papers. However, as he was about to submit his application, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called, instructing him not to file the nomination. Mulik’s supporters were left confused, but Fadnavis assured them over a phone conversation that Mulik would secure a position in the Maharashtra Legislative Council (as an MLC) instead.
Dhankawade’s Nomination Halted by Ajit Pawar
Meanwhile, in Khadakwasla, BJP’s Bhimrao Tapkir successfully filed his nomination. NCP, in a surprise move, decided to field former mayor Datta Dhankawade in the same constituency. Dhankawade received the party’s official AB form from Ajit Pawar himself. However, as Dhankawade arrived at the election office to submit his nomination, he received a phone call from Pawar, asking him to hold off on filing until further notice.
Three hours passed, but Dhankawade never submitted his papers. This sudden change in strategy has left political analysts speculating about the future of both constituencies and the internal workings of the Mahayuti alliance.
As the election dynamics shift in these key Pune constituencies, all eyes are on the upcoming Assembly polls and the potential realignment of party interests.