Pune: Code of Conduct for Elections in 4 to 5 Days; Issues in Mahayuti Will Be Resolved Soon, Says Ajit Pawar

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 9th October 2024: Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Guardian Minister of Pune District Ajit Pawar was on a tour of Pimpri Chinchwad today to inaugurate various developmental works in the city. He also held a meeting at the Natsamrat Nilu Phule Natyagruha in Sangvi, where he addressed several topics, including the Code of Conduct for the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections, the visible rifts within Mahayuti, and seat allotment.

Ajit Pawar provided a significant update on the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections in Maharashtra. Speaking to reporters in Pimpri Chinchwad, he said, “It is likely that a code of conduct will be issued in the next four to five days for the upcoming assembly elections. So we are all in a rush. Inaugurations, Bhoomipujan, and hustle and bustle are ongoing. The seat allocation in the Mahayuti has been partially resolved, but some issues remain. We will soon sit together and address them. A press conference will be announced at that time.”

Recently, many political leaders from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Ajit Pawar, have been leaving the party due to disappointment. Regarding this, Ajit Pawar stated that as elections approach, many politicians shift parties when they realize they won’t have a chance in their constituency with their current party. Everyone wants to become an MLA; however, when there are no worthy candidates to be elected, parties are forced to import candidates.

Ajit Pawar, while indirectly addressing the departure of political leaders from Pimpri Chinchwad, stated that people do not focus on the party or alliance but rather on the candidate. He also seemed to taunt his uncle, Sharad Pawar, by mentioning that some individuals were promised many things during the Lok Sabha elections, but those promises are not being kept. He noted that others are being given opportunities instead and remarked that this is not new; such situations have always occurred in various parts of Maharashtra.

Regarding the leopard problem in the Junnar area, Pawar stated that several cages have been made available through the funds of the Pune District Management Committee to catch leopards in that region. He also emphasized that all possible precautions will be taken to manage the leopards by the rules of the forest department. Some leopards are captured and sent to other states. “Human life is important, and it is essential to protect it,” mentioned Ajit Pawar.

Swift Action and Death Penalty for Bopdev Ghat Incident.

Recently, in Bopdev Ghat, a young woman was gang-raped by three individuals while her friend was beaten. This incident has shaken the state of Maharashtra, and the accused have not yet been caught, resulting in growing criticism toward the state government. “Incidents like these are serious. The police are on the trail of the accused in the Bopdev Ghat assault case. CCTV cameras in the area have been reviewed. Efforts are underway to arrest the accused and secure the death penalty for them at the earliest,” said Ajit Pawar.

“I Will Give You the Candidate of Your Choice in Baramati”

For the past few months, Ajit Pawar’s status regarding whether he will contest from his home turf of Baramati in the upcoming elections has been uncertain, as he stated that he is no longer interested in running from Baramati. With the Nationalist Congress Sharadchandra Pawar Party (NCP-SP) almost certain to field Ajit Pawar’s nephew, Yugendra Pawar, against him, Ajit Pawar’s absence of interest has sparked speculation about his son, Jay Pawar, contesting the elections. Regarding his candidacy in Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar said, “Although the activists insist that I should contest from Baramati, I will consider the candidate of your choice.”