Pune: Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi Revokes Mangaldas Bandal’s Candidature from Shirur

Shirur, 6th April 2024: In a significant turn of events, the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) has revoked the candidature of former Pune Zilla Parishad member Mangaldas Bandal from the Shirur Lok Sabha Constituency. This decision stems from Bandal’s dissenting stance within the party, advocating for fielding a candidate from the Baramati constituency. Maharashtra State President of VBA Rekha Thakur cited Bandal’s divergence from party principles as the reason behind the cancellation.

Bandal’s candidacy for Shirur was announced merely three days prior by VBA. However, suspicions arose regarding his allegiance when he was observed meeting Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during the latter’s campaign in Indapur, within the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency. Furthermore, Bandal’s presence at a campaign meeting for Pune City BJP candidate Muralidhar Mohol added fuel to the speculation about his alignment.

Taking to social media, VBA officially announced the cancellation of Bandal’s candidature. Siddharth Mokale, the party’s spokesperson, reiterated that Bandal’s nomination for Shirur was endorsed by the party. Additionally, VBA had opted not to contest in the Baramati Constituency, extending support to Supriya Sule, the NCP Sharadchandra Pawar Party candidate.

In defiance of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi’s stance on Baramati, Mangaldas Bandal’s candidacy for the Shirur Lok Sabha constituency was revoked. This decision was made under the directives of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi National President Adv Prakash Ambedkar and State President Rekha Thakur.