Pune: Ajit Pawar’s Loyalist Sanjog Waghere Nominated by Shiv Sena Thackeray Faction for Maval Lok Sabha Seat
Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri, 27th December 2023: Sanjog Waghere, a prominent figure in Pimpri-Chinchwad’s political landscape and a loyalist to NCP’s Ajit Pawar, has been nominated by Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray faction for the Maval Lok Sabha constituency. The decision comes amid Waghere’s long-standing ambition to secure a parliamentary seat.
Waghere, who previously held the positions of City President and Mayor of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), met with Uddhav Thackeray on Monday at the Matoshree Bungalow to discuss his potential entry into the Shiv Sena party. Despite expressing that he holds no resentment towards NCP leaders Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar, Waghere emphasised that his decision is driven by the desire to fulfil his aspirations of becoming a Member of Parliament.
In a statement to ‘Loksatta’, Waghere revealed that the move towards Shiv Sena is a result of the perceived lack of opportunities within the current party structure. Having been preparing for the Lok Sabha elections since 2014, Waghere cited his interest in representing the Maval Lok Sabha Constituency and stated that he presented his aspirations to Uddhav Thackeray during their meeting.
“I am interested in the Maval Lok Sabha Constituency and have conveyed my intention to Uddhav Thackeray. I will decide on party admission in the next two to three days,” Waghere stated. Despite his years of service within the NCP, he remains focused on becoming an MP.
Waghere also acknowledged the continued reservation for backward classes in the Pimpri assembly constituency for the next five years. With the Maval Lok Sabha seat currently aligned with the Shiv Sena’s Shinde group, Waghere has found an opportunity within the Shiv Sena UBT, leading him to explore this new political avenue.
