Pune: Election Tensions in Bhosari Escalate as Mahesh Landge and Rohit Pawar Exchange Heated Words
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Bhosari, 8th November 2024: Tensions have escalated in the Bhosari constituency as the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections draw near, with sitting MLA Mahesh Landge and Karjat Jamkhed MLA Rohit Pawar exchanging pointed remarks. Yesterday, Mahesh Landge warned, “Don’t trouble even one of my activists, or my true nature will be revealed after the elections.” Rohit Pawar swiftly responded, “Don’t threaten us; we didn’t enter politics to play marbles.”
Rohit Pawar visited Bhosari today to campaign for Ajit Gavhane, the Nationalist Congress Party – Sharad Pawar faction (NCP-SP) candidate. During the campaign, he strongly rebutted the comments made by Mahesh Landge, the sitting MLA and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for Bhosari.
Pawar stated, “There is hooliganism and oppression in Bhosari. Workers are being threatened, businesses forced to close, flags and boards removed, and activists blocked. Corruption has infiltrated every part of the city. While Mahesh Landge claims to be a Warkari, the police attacked Warkaris on Ashadhi Ekadashi under orders from Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Did Landge dare to oppose that at the time?”
He continued, accusing Landge of arrogance and an attitude driven by money, alleging that Landge speaks mainly in threats. Pawar further claimed that the BJP has divided the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and cautioned, “Don’t threaten us; we didn’t enter politics to play marbles.” Pawar emphasised that Bhosari residents are considering change and are determined to uproot what he described as “dictatorship” in the region. He also criticised Devendra Fadnavis, claiming, “There is no bigger liar in the world than Devendra Fadnavis.”
NCP-SP candidate Ajit Gavhane joined in, criticising Landge’s statement, “I will show my true nature,” saying it reveals Landge’s true nature to the public. Gavhane explained that he is running to bring change, a sentiment shared by his colleagues. “The way Mahesh Landge spoke yesterday is disliked by the people. His words suggest he is losing,” Gavhane remarked.
What Did Mahesh Landge Say?
At a campaign rally in Dighi yesterday, Mahesh Landge responded to his opponents, accusing them of resorting to low-level tactics. He said his supporters want him to respond to these accusations, but he refused to “stoop to their level.”
“I will not respond to the accusations. I have proof, and I will continue to highlight my work. My opponents will get their answer. However, if anyone tries to trouble my activists, I request my opponents not to awaken my true nature. The election will be held in 13 days. If my activists are harassed, my nature will change after the 20th. Remember, I am the ‘Dharkari’ for the protection of my mothers, sisters, and activists,” Landge stated.
