Pune: Ajit Pawar Declares Willingness to Contest Pune Lok Sabha Seat

Pune, 28th May 2023: Maharashtra State opposition leader Ajit Pawar expressed Nationalist Congress Party’s willingness to contest the Pune Lok Sabha constituency, which became vacant after the unfortunate demise of MP Girish Bapat. Pawar, asserting that the NCP holds a stronger position in Pune, stated that he believes the seat should be allocated to his party. However, his statement has caused uneasiness within the city’s Congress party.

During his visit to Pune, Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar addressed reporters, stating, “The Lok Sabha elections are still a year away, and it was assumed that there would be no by-election for Pune. However, we have received information that a by-election will indeed take place. Considering the strength of the NCP in Pune, we are ready to contest the Pune seat. Looking at the current scenario, the NCP holds more strength compared to other coalition parties. We have demonstrated our dominance in the Municipal Corporation, with 40 corporators, while our allied party has ten corporators. Additionally, the NCP has two MLAs in the city. In my opinion, the party that exhibits greater strength in the particular constituency should be given the opportunity. One can gauge someone’s influence by examining past local self-government bodies and assembly elections.”

Congress, on the other hand, has expressed its intention to contest the Pune Lok Sabha seat.

Responding to Congress’s claim, Pawar remarked, “It is their right to voice their opinions and make claims. I extend my best wishes to our friendly party.”