Bhausaheb Bhoir to Contest Elections as Independent, Slams DCM Ajit Pawar for ‘Corruption and Neglect’ in Pimpri Chinchwad

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 3rd October 2024: Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Guardian Minister of Pune District, seems to be losing his influence in his stronghold of Pimpri Chinchwad. This decline is underscored by the announcement from his close aide, Bhausaheb Bhoir, who has announced his decision to contest the upcoming elections in Maharashtra, irrespective of the circumstances. Bhoir also claimed that he lost the election in 2009 due to Ajit Pawar himself.

Bhoir decided to contest from Chinchwad by holding a general election meeting. Former Deputy Mayor Prabhakar Vaghere, former NCP corporator Atul Shitole, Rajendra Jagtap, Rajendra Salunkhe, Sujit Patil, and Ganesh Londhe were present at the gathering.

Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has seen several leaders in the Pimpri Chinchwad area wanting to contest in the elections, but, feeling ignored, they have started to leave. Ajit Gavhane, the former City President of Pimpri Chinchwad for Pawar’s NCP, led a significant exodus in July. Former MLA Vilas Lande has also shown signs of leaving, while another close aide, Vitthal alias Nana Kate, has given an ultimatum to leave if not given a chance to contest in the upcoming elections. What was once an unbeatable NCP under Ajit Pawar in Pimpri Chinchwad now appears to be weakening, according to observers.

Bhausaheb Bhoir, during today’s meeting, highlighted how, while everyone was joining the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2017, 12 corporators remained in the NCP. He expressed his frustration at not being given the opportunity to contest in the 2023 byelections, explaining that the reason given was that his name was not included in the survey. “I don’t know how the leaders felt about me,” he stated.

Bhoir also mentioned that, despite serving as a corporator for 25 years, he was never appointed to key positions such as chairman of the standing committee, mayor, deputy mayor, or chairman of the subject committee. He further noted that he was also denied the position of Chairman of the Pimpri Chinchwad New Town Development Authority. Additionally, he acknowledged that conflicts within his family were instigated by the NCP.

Bhoir said, “In the 2009 elections, the late MLA Laxman Jagtap was an MLC. When I received the nomination from Congress, Jagtap suddenly filed as an independent candidate, claiming it was at the leadership’s direction. As a result, I was defeated in that election due to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.” He announced his intention to run as an independent candidate, stating that he would contest the Chinchwad Constituency regardless of the circumstances and claimed support from around 40 corporators in the NCP.

“Ajit Pawar Created Dinosaurs from Lizards”

Bhoir said, “My loyalty is not with Ajit Pawar’s party but with the residents of Pimpri Chinchwad. Ajit Pawar created dinosaurs out of lizards in Pimpri Chinchwad, fostering a generation of corrupt tendencies. The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation was looted during BJP rule. The city has been receiving a water supply every other day for five years, and regular water is not available. There is no waste management, and citizens are suffering from traffic congestion. Crime has increased, and the city has deteriorated. I am going to contest the election to defeat the oppression and mob rule.”