Pune: Kasba Peth Returns To BJP As Hemant Rasane Defeats Ravindra Dhangekar
Kasba Peth, 23rd November 2024: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Hemant Rasane has won in Kasba Peth, reclaiming the party’s stronghold after its unexpected loss in last year’s by-elections. Rasane, who had previously lost to Indian National Congress candidate and current MLA Ravindra Dhangekar in the by-elections, secured victory this time by defeating Dhangekar.
As of 12:30 PM, Rasane held a lead of 11,732 votes, a margin sufficient for a mathematical win. Kasba Peth, with 2.81 lakh registered voters, recorded a voter turnout of 58.76%. Rasane’s lead and the votes counted so far ensured his comfortable victory over Dhangekar.
Traditionally a BJP stronghold, Kasba Peth was represented by BJP MLA Mukta Tilak until her passing last year. In the subsequent by-elections, Dhangekar, a Congress candidate, claimed an unexpected win against Rasane, marking a rare loss for BJP in the constituency. Following his victory, Dhangekar’s popularity surged, and he was also fielded as a candidate for the Pune Lok Sabha constituency, where he was defeated by BJP’s Murlidhar Mohol.
In this election, Congress retained Dhangekar as its candidate, the BJP re-nominated Rasane, and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) fielded Ganesh Bhokare. While the contest was expected to be a tight triple-threat battle, Rasane secured a decisive win, Dhangekar finished second, and Bhokare failed to make a significant impact.
