The political dynamics in Maharashtra’s ruling coalition are facing turbulence as BJP MLAs from Pune have openly voiced opposition to campaigning for Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction in the upcoming state assembly elections. The grand alliance, consisting of Shiv Sena, BJP, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, has announced plans to contest the elections together, but internal discord at the local level threatens to disrupt the unity.
In a recent meeting, BJP MLAs Uma Khapare and Amit Gorkhe, along with other party leaders, passed a resolution against supporting Ajit Pawar’s NCP candidate, MLA Anna Bansode, in the Pimpri constituency. The decision was made during a party meeting where BJP leader Sadashiv Khade and party spokesperson Raju Durge also backed the stance.
Khapare and Gorkhe made it clear that they would not campaign for Ajit Pawar’s NCP in Pimpri, with the key point of contention being the perceived lack of support from Pawar’s faction during the previous Lok Sabha elections. “Ajit Pawar’s party does not follow the religion of alliance, so why should we promote the watch?” was a sentiment echoed during the meeting, referring to the NCP’s election symbol.
Local BJP activists in Pimpri Chinchwad have also raised concerns about the alliance, expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of a BJP candidate in previous elections. “In the Lok Sabha elections, Kamal’s [BJP’s symbol] candidate was not found, now we want Kamal’s candidate,” activists stated, underscoring their desire for a strong BJP presence in the constituency.
The local unrest has been communicated to senior BJP leaders, with Khapare and Gorkhe pledging to raise these concerns with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule before final seat allocations for the Grand Alliance are decided. How these internal disputes are resolved will be crucial for the alliance as it prepares for the electoral battle ahead.
The grand alliance, formed to provide a united front against opposition parties, is now grappling with internal challenges that could impact its performance in critical constituencies like Pimpri. Resolving these issues will be a test of leadership for the senior figures in the coalition.