Pune: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Fields Ganesh Bhokare for Kasba Peth in Surprise Move

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Kasba Peth, 25th October 2024: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has announced Ganesh Bhokare’s candidacy for the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections from the Kasba Peth constituency, setting the stage for an intriguing contest that could feature a potential four-way battle. This move has taken many by surprise, as neither Bhokare’s name nor the MNS’s involvement in Kasba Peth had been previously discussed.

Following the death of MLA Mukta Tilak, a by-election was held, and Congress’s Ravindra Dhangekar was elected as the MLA. Despite Kasba Peth being a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stronghold, a Congress candidate emerged victorious after 30 years.

This time, Dhangekar will contest again for Congress, while the MNS has fielded Bhokare. Additionally, former mayor Kamal Vyavhare is contesting on behalf of Swarajya Sanghatan, a newly founded party by Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati.

पुणे: कसब्यात भाजपचे ठरेना, मनसेने केला उमेदवार जाहीर

For the BJP, either Pune city party president Dheeraj Ghate or former chairman of the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) standing committee, Hemant Rasane, is expected to be the frontrunner for the ticket, making the battle for Kasba Peth even more compelling.