Rebel Candidates Shake Up Key Pune Constituencies Ahead of Assembly Elections in Kasba, Parvati, and Shivajinagar

Reported by Tikam Shekhawat & Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 4th November 2024: As the upcoming assembly elections draw near, political preparations across Maharashtra are heating up, with Mahayuti, Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA), MNS, and other parties gearing up for the contest.

However, rebel candidates have emerged in several key constituencies, causing friction and last-minute challenges for party leaders. Despite senior leaders’ efforts to manage the situation, some rebel candidates have refused to withdraw their nominations, particularly in three critical constituencies in Pune—Kasba, Parvati, and Shivajinagar. This defiance could significantly impact Mahavikas Aghadi’s (MVA) performance in these areas.

In the Kasba Assembly constituency, sitting Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar faces a tough challenge from rebel candidates within his own party. Kamal Vyavahare, the first woman mayor of Pune, has filed her nomination from the same seat, posing a serious threat to Dhangekar’s chances. Hemant Rasane from BJP, Ganesh Bhokare from MNS, and Vyavahare from Congress have stirred the political landscape in Kasba with their bids, heightening tensions for the incumbent.

In Shivajinagar, BJP MLA Siddharth Shirole is up against Congress candidate Datta Bahirat and rebel Congress leader Manish Anand, who has filed his nomination as an independent. The Shivajinagar constituency has seen internal strife within the Congress ranks before—Bahirat’s defeat in the last assembly elections was partly due to similar party infighting. With Anand’s revolt, Bahirat could face a similar struggle again, putting his prospects at risk.

The Parvati Assembly constituency, where sitting BJP MLA Madhuri Misal is contesting for a third term, is also witnessing rebellion. Ashwini Kadam from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP is vying for the seat, but internal conflict within the Congress and MVA could hinder her chances. Senior Congress leader Aba Bagul and Sachin Tavre, from the Sharad Pawar group, have filed their independent candidacies, threatening to split the vote and making Misal’s path to victory smoother.

Today marked the last day for candidates to withdraw their nomination papers, but the rebel candidates from the Mahavikas Aghadi in Kasba, Parvati, and Shivajinagar refused to do so. This internal rebellion across three out of eight constituencies in Pune is expected to fragment the vote, potentially benefiting opposing parties.

All eyes are now on the unfolding political dynamics as election day approaches, with the impact of these rebel candidates likely to play a decisive role in the final outcome.