Pune: Viral Video of Mangala Kadam Questioning Mahesh Landge Over Alleged Illegal Religious Structure Triggers Political Buzz in PCMC

Pimpri Chinchwad, 19th May 2026: A political controversy has erupted in Pimpri-Chinchwad after former mayor Mangala Kadam publicly confronted BJP MLA Mahesh Landge over action against an alleged illegal religious structure being constructed inside a civic garden in the Chikhali-Gharkul area.

The confrontation, videos of which have gone viral on social media, took place after BJP corporator Yogita Nagargoje objected to the construction activity inside Joggers Park at Shivtejnagar and demanded action from the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.

Civic officials have since confirmed that the structure, claimed to be a religious construction, was allegedly being built without the required permissions and would be demolished. “The construction is unauthorised and demolition proceedings will be carried out as per rules,” a civic official said.

The dispute between Kadam and Nagargoje had reportedly been ongoing for the last few months. The construction work was allegedly being carried out on nearly 25 gunthas of land near the civic sewage treatment plant in the Chikhali-Gharkul area, which also includes wetlands, a jogging track and dense greenery frequently used by local residents for recreation and exercise.

The issue escalated over the weekend after Nagargoje directly opposed the ongoing construction activity. On Sunday, Kadam, accompanied by her supporters, stopped Landge on the road while he was leaving a workers’ gathering in the area and questioned him over the opposition to the project.

In the viral videos, Kadam is seen angrily accusing Landge of allowing his party corporator to act against her despite receiving her political support for nearly 15 years. She is heard saying that she had stood by Landge politically despite being from the rival Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and had even worked against senior leaders from her own party, including former MLA Vilas Lande, during elections.

Nagargoje, however, defended her opposition to the construction and said the issue was not about religion but about protecting public open spaces. “I represent Ward No. 10. Citizens, including youths and senior citizens, use this garden regularly for exercise and recreation. We are not against any religious structure, but illegal construction inside a public garden cannot be allowed,” she said, adding that a complaint had already been submitted to the civic administration.

The political clash has triggered discussions within local political circles, with several observers viewing Kadam’s remarks as an indication of internal divisions within the NCP over support extended to BJP leaders in the region.