Pune: Sharad Pawar’s Growing Influence in Pimpri Chinchwad: Grand Meeting on July 20

Pimpri Chinchwad, 6th July 2024: The city of Pimpri Chinchwad is known as the stronghold of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar. However, recent events indicate that the influence of Sharad Pawar is increasing in Pimpri Chinchwad. Sharad Pawar is set to hold a grand meeting on the 20th of July to demonstrate his growing power. Tushar Kamthe, the Pimpri Chinchwad City President of the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), announced that 20,000 activists and officials are expected to attend the meeting.

The relationship between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar is well known. It is often said that Pimpri Chinchwad was developed due to Ajit Pawar’s efforts. However, since the NCP split last year, Sharad Pawar’s influence has been growing, posing a threat to his nephew. Many who initially sided with Ajit Pawar during the split may reconsider their allegiance after Ajit Pawar’s underwhelming performance in the Lok Sabha. With the Vidhan Sabha and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections approaching, the Sharad Pawar faction is exploring all options to consolidate its power.

Tushar Kamthe mentioned that Sharad Pawar will hold a grand meeting in the city centre to rally both old and new supporters. The Sharad Pawar group is focusing on uniting young and old activists and office bearers, to secure all three legislative assembly seats in Pimpri Chinchwad. Kamthe also noted that 90 % of the former city officials who were with Ajit Pawar are now in touch with the Sharad Pawar group. This shift in support could pose significant challenges for the Ajit Pawar faction in the future.