Surprise Contender: Aniruddha Deshpande’s Name Gains Momentum in BJP’s Pune Lok Sabha Candidate Speculations

Sumit Singh & Tikam Shekhawat

Pune, 15th February 2024: With Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, the political landscape in Pune is abuzz with potential candidates vying for the coveted seat. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has a lineup of aspirants, including notable figures like former mayor Muralidhar Mohol, former MLA Jagdish Mulik and RSS leader Sunil Deodhar.

BJP stalwarts like former Union Minister Prakash Javadekar, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and even Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name have been circulating for the Pune Lok Sabha constituency. Mohol, Mulik, and Deodhar have been prominent figures in the discussions.

However, BJP’s history of employing strategic surprises in elections raises speculation about a potential wildcard entry. Sources indicate that a prominent Pune-based industrialist, Aniruddha Deshpande, could be the surprise candidate for the party. Deshpande, known for his association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and connections with political leaders like Sharad Pawar, is considered a strong contender.

Deshpande, an influential figure in Pune, is a renowned builder. As the head of City Corporation, he has been instrumental in the Amanora Park Town and Lavasa projects, showcasing a unique model of urbanization. Deshpande’s vision for Pune’s development goes beyond construction, as evidenced by his proposal for the city’s redevelopment and his contribution to the Pula Deshpande Park.

In the past, Aniruddha Deshpande’s name was proposed for the Pune Lok Sabha ticket in 2014, backed by then BJP national president Rajnath Singh. However, due to internal party dynamics, the ticket eventually went to Anil Shirole. Now, with another opportunity on the horizon, Deshpande’s supporters advocate for a visionary leader who can address Pune’s multifaceted challenges.

In the last decade, Pune has lacked a leader capable of addressing its complex issues comprehensively. Supporters argue that Deshpande, with his strategic vision and commitment to development, could be the leader Pune needs. If BJP decides to nominate him, it could signify a shift towards prioritizing development over traditional caste equations.

As the list of aspirants grows, the final decision rests with the BJP leadership, and the party may choose a candidate who can bring a fresh perspective to Pune’s political landscape. The upcoming Lok Sabha elections are poised to be an exciting and closely watched affair in Pune.