Pune: Barne’s Visit to Late BJP MLA’s Memorial Site Signals Alliance-Building Efforts in Maval

Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 31st March 2024: Shiv Sena MP Shrirang Barne, securing re-candidature from Maval despite formidable opponents from BJP and NCP, now confronts the task of garnering support from leaders of both parties. Barne has initiated discussions with dissatisfied leaders, urging their active involvement in campaigning. The engagement of BJP and NCP leaders in campaigning remains a point of interest, with attention drawn to the Deputy Chief Ministers’ roles.

Maval, predominantly under Shiv Sena’s influence and spanning Pune and Raigad districts, faced heightened contention due to Shiv Sena’s internal divisions and the strong claims of BJP and NCP, both Mahayuti coalition partners. Open opposition to Barne’s candidacy from NCP MLA Sunil Shelke and former state minister Bala Bhegde, disguised as activist dissent for future political adjustments, underscores the complexity. BJP workers publicly threatened to vote for NOTA if Barne were nominated, emphasizing a longstanding dissatisfaction despite his 15-year candidacy with Shiv Sena. The BJP insisted on fielding a candidate under the lotus symbol, prioritizing the emblem over the individual candidate’s identity.

Many aspirants emerged from Maval and Pimpri-Chinchwad in BJP and NCP, signalling internal factions and discontent. Despite these challenges, Shiv Sena clinched the Mahayuti constituency, nominating Shrirang Barne again amid a shifting political landscape. However, the current scenario is marked by Shiv Sena’s internal rifts, with Uddhav Thackeray’s faction campaigning against Barne, a dynamic change from previous elections. Barne’s reliance on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s charisma and the support of BJP and NCP underscores the evolving alliances.

Following the announcement of the candidacy, Barne paid a visit to the memorial site of the late BJP MLA Laxman Jagtap, who held a significant voter base and served three consecutive terms from Chinchwad. At Pimple Gurav, MLA Ashwini Jagtap and BJP City president Shankar Jagtap joined Barne on Saturday (30th March). Meanwhile, NCP MLAs Sunil Shelke and Bala Bhegde, who harbour strong objections to the candidacy, are scheduled to meet Barne in Talegaon Dabhade. The outcome of this meeting will shed light on whether leaders from the constituent parties will commence their campaigning efforts.