Pune: Mahayuti Dispatches Special Team to Monitor Campaign Activities in Maval Lok Sabha Constituency

Maval, 2nd May 2024: The Mahayuti is concerned about the commitment of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) officials in the Maval Lok Sabha constituency, given the conflict over candidacy, along with accusations and counter-accusations. To address this, a special team of 6 members has been dispatched from Delhi to monitor the activities of Mahayuti functionaries, ensuring their dedication to campaigning for the Shiv Sena candidate, Shrirang Barne. The team will compile a confidential report for the party leadership.

The Maval Lok Sabha constituency, spanning Pune and Raigad districts, was contested by the BJP-NCP in the Mahayuti. As the BJP didn’t contest from Maval for 15 years, its workers demanded a candidate this time. Former Maval BJP MLA Bala Bhegde, Pimpri-Chinchwad City President Shankar Jagtap, NCP former corporator Bhausaheb Bhoir, and Bapu Bhegde expressed interest in contesting. Nevertheless, the constituency remained with the Shiv Sena in the Mahayuti, with Shrirang Barne as its nominee, while former mayor Sanjog Waghere was nominated from the Shiv Sena’s Thackeray group.

Despite initial discontent among BJP and NCP workers for not securing the candidacy, they eventually began campaigning for Mahayuti candidate MP Barne after a month. However, a significant portion still appears disengaged or actively working against the campaign. Waghere’s history with NCP, including familial and relational ties with major Mahayuti figures, has led some activists to support his cause, causing further unrest within the Mahayuti. As a result, a six-member team has been dispatched from Delhi to assess the situation in Maval.

The team will remain in Maval until May 10, documenting the efforts of officials and workers who are sincerely involved in the campaign. Their performance will be assessed and categorized into four groups. In addition to evaluating campaign activities, the team is gathering information about office bearers and workers who may be working against the campaign. Reports regarding such activities will be submitted to the senior leaders of the respective component parties. It has been made clear that individuals found working against the alliance’s interests will not be given future opportunities within Mahayuti.

A six-member team from Delhi has arrived in the city. They are conducting visits to the residences of all six Assembly Constituency MLAs and Chiefs, gathering data on the number of activists involved, participation levels in the padayatra (foot march) for application form submission, and the presence of ordinary activists and booth heads. Additionally, sources indicate that the BJP itself is reviewing the performance of NCP office bearers.