Pune: Ajit Pawar’s Grip on Pimpri Chinchwad Weakens as Resignations Shake Party; Key Leaders Might Join Sharad Pawar’s Faction
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 16th July 2024: Big Shock for Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar in Pimpri Chinchwad as the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faces resignations from key figures. Pimpri Chinchwad City President Ajit Gavhane, Executive President Rahul Bhosale, Student Union President Yash Sane, and Bhosari Assembly Party Chairman Pankaj Bhalekar have all given their resignations. These resignations were submitted to NCP’s Maharashtra State President Sunil Tatkare, citing unavoidable reasons.
Gavhane has expressed interest in contesting the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections from the Bhosari Constituency. However, reports indicate that Mahayuti, the alliance comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, plans to contest these elections collectively and allocate tickets to candidates who are already the incumbent MLAs of their respective constituencies. Currently, Bhosari is represented by BJP MLA Mahesh Landge, leading to speculation that Landge may again receive the ticket from Mahayuti. This scenario leaves little chance for Gavhane to secure a ticket under the Mahayuti alliance.
Gavhane had previously discussed his concerns with Deputy CM Pawar. Following that, he met Sharad Pawar along with his former corporator supporters a few days ago. Following these developments, Ajit Gavhane decided to resign from the post of Pimpri Chinchwad City President of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Along with him, his supporters Rahul Bhosale, Yash Sane, and Pankaj Bhalekar have also stepped down.
All these individuals, along with the majority of corporators in Pimpri Chinchwad, had sided with Ajit Pawar when a split occurred in the NCP in July 2023. This split arose when Ajit Pawar departed from his uncle’s faction to join led Shiv Sena and BJP to form a government. Ajit Pawar was appointed Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister. However, since then, Ajit Pawar’s NCP has encountered challenges in various parts of Maharashtra due to past animosities within the Mahayuti alliance, resulting in numerous ego clashes.
Ajit Pawar’s close aide, Vilas Lande, also faced disappointment in the Lok Sabha elections when he was denied the opportunity to contest from the Shirur Constituency. Now, Gavhane, who anticipated a fate similar to Vilas Lande’s, has reportedly decided to resign from his post and leave the party.
Will Gavhane Join Sharad Pawar?
As Gavhane and the three others have resigned from their positions, there is speculation that they might soon exit the party altogether. This Saturday, the 20th of July, Sharad Pawar is scheduled to hold a meeting in Pimpri. Political circles are abuzz with discussions that these resignees may join Sharad Pawar’s faction of the NCP during this meeting. Meanwhile, within Ajit Pawar’s camp, preparations are underway regarding the selection of the next Pimpri Chinchwad City President for the NCP, following Gavhane’s resignation.
