Ravindra Dhangekar’s Political Standing in Congress Dims After Lok Sabha Election Loss
Pune, 8th June 2024: Ravindra Dhangekar made headlines when he was nominated by the Indian National Congress in 2023 for the by-elections of the Kasba Peth Vidhan Sabha constituency. His victory in the BJP stronghold of Kasba Peth earned him significant recognition. However, earlier this year, Dhangekar’s nomination as the Congress candidate for the Lok Sabha elections under Mahavikas Aghadi resulted in his loss against Murlidhar Mohol from the BJP representing Mahayuti, which somewhat diminished his stature within the Congress party.
Criticism of Dhangekar has emerged, with activists within the Congress party expressing complaints against him for displaying attitudes reminiscent of Shiv Sena or Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists. It was expected that Dhangekar would give Mohol a tough fight and maintain his stature within the Congress party even in defeat. However, the Pune Congress has remained silent in response to the loss.
An office bearer, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, “Dhangekar, after being nominated for the Lok Sabha elections in Pune, consistently prioritized his charisma over embracing Congress policies. Despite protesting on various issues in the city, Dhangekar did not engage in meaningful dialogue with Congress party office-bearers during those protests.”
The office bearer continued, “In the last Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections, Congress supported Dhangekar. However, even after becoming a corporator, Dhangekar failed to adhere to Congress policies. He was given a ticket in the Kasba Peth by-elections, but even after winning, he continued to diverge from our ideologies and policies. Despite the party’s established system, Dhangekar chose to follow his path. Even his felicitation of the Karsevaks contradicted Congress ideology.”
“If Dhangekar aspires to lead Congress, he must command the party’s support and adhere to its policies. He needs to earn the trust of everyone in Congress. Some long-standing Congress leaders were overlooked during the Lok Sabha elections. The question remains whether Dhangekar will continue to align with the party or pursue his agenda after the loss,” added another activist.
“The condition of Congress in Pune is precarious, and we need a leader who is loyal to Congress ideologies. The party high command should intervene, or we risk further setbacks in the Vidhan Sabha elections,” voiced another concerned activist.
In response to these concerns, Congress Kasba Peth MLA Ravindra Dhangekar stated, “There are no disputes within the Congress. No one is dissatisfied. All Congress office bearers performed well in the elections, but the upcoming elections will be different.”
Congress Pune City President Arvind Shinde commented, “The Lok Sabha election was fought on a personal level when it should have been fought on a party level. If the focus had been on party principles rather than personal charisma, the outcome might have been different.”
