Give Us the Chinchwad Assembly Seat to Contest, or We Won’t Campaign for Anyone Else, Say Former NCP Corporators in Pimpri-Chinchwad

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 26th September 2024: Numerous reports have emerged within the Mahayuti in Pimpri Chinchwad, confirming that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Ajit Pawar, is demanding the Chinchwad constituency for itself. Over the past three elections, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA has been elected from this constituency. This demand arises in the context of a policy regarding seat sharing within the Mahayuti, which states that the party holding the MLA position in a constituency will receive the ticket to contest in that area. Consequently, since Chinchwad is currently represented by the BJP, the NCP’s request has sparked speculation.

Four former corporators—Moreshwar Bhondve, Prashant Shitole, Mayur Kalate, and Vinod Nadhe—organized a press conference yesterday in light of the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections. During this conference, they outlined their future roles. They all collectively stated that if Mahayuti does not nominate an NCP candidate, campaigning will not take place from the NCP’s side for others.

Former Corporator Prashant Shitole stated, “There is no such thing as ‘your’ or ‘our’ constituency. It is said that the party of the MLA determines the constituency. However, the NCP should secure the seat in Chinchwad by finding a way to do so. If we don’t get a seat, we have the option of Mahavikas Aghadi. The political situation in Chinchwad has completely changed since the by-elections. Even those who are new to politics are showing interest in the assembly. Twenty more former corporators are with us. If the candidates who contested the last four elections are failing, then a change in leadership is necessary.

Former corporator Mayur Kalate asserted that the 20 corporators of the NCP have united for this election and are firm in their stance. He also claimed that the BJP is facing internal conflicts, which is why the NCP should secure the constituency. “If there is no seat, all options are open. Even if Ajit Pawar insists, we will not stop. We are planning to leave the Mahayuti alliance. The City President of the party has also not been elected. All these issues are being challenged, said Kalate.

Meanwhile, Moreshwar Bhondve stated that while they will not abandon Ajit Pawar, they also will not work for the BJP. He noted that 12 corporators from the BJP are in contact with them, hinting at a potential multi-party rebellion.

Is Nana Kate Setting the Fielding?

Former Corporator Vitthal Alias Nana Kate has repeatedly expressed his interest in contesting the upcoming elections in Chinchwad on behalf of the NCP. However, he has indicated that if he is not nominated, he is open to leaving the Mahayuti and joining the Mahavikas Aghadi or any other party where he would have the opportunity to contest elections in Chinchwad. Nana Kate is a prominent figure in Pimpri Chinchwad politics and is currently the only candidate from the NCP favoured for potential nomination in Chinchwad. Hence, many believe that his stance on the elections may have triggered reactions from other former corporators in the party, which could ultimately benefit him.