Tensions Rise in Pimpri Chinchwad as Shiv Sena Claims Constituency from NCP’s Anna Bansode

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 23 September 2024: In the Mahayuti alliance, a policy for the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections in Maharashtra reportedly states that the party with the sitting MLA in a constituency will automatically get the chance to contest from that particular constituency. However, across Maharashtra, this seemingly fair rule is being challenged by various parties. A similar situation is unfolding in Pimpri Chinchwad, where a constituency “claim” game is in full swing ahead of the elections.

Stating that there is significant disappointment with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Anna Bansode, who is led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has claimed the Pimpri Constituency. This has added to MLA Anna Bansode’s problems and raises the possibility of a rift within the Grand Alliance in Pimpri, especially since disputes over the Chinchwad and Bhosari constituencies have already been reported.

Of the three constituencies in Pimpri Chinchwad City, Pimpri is reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC). Anna Bansode of the NCP was elected in the first election in 2009, while Gautam Chabukswar of the Shiv Sena won in 2014. Bansode was re-elected from the NCP in 2019. After the party split, he chose to side with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Bansode’s candidacy was considered certain, as the grand coalition’s formula stated, “the party’s MLA, that party’s seat.” However, Shiv Sena has now claimed the Pimpri constituency, adding to Bansode’s challenges.

Shiv Sena MP from Maval, Shrirang Barne, stated, “Many in the NCP are interested, but there is significant disappointment with MLA Anna Bansode. Every seat is important for Mahayuti. Our stance is that the Pimpri constituency should be given to Shiv Sena to ensure Mahayuti doesn’t lose an MLA. A Shiv Sena candidate will win. Previously, Shiv Sena had an MLA in Pimpri. In the recent Lok Sabha elections, Shiv Sena secured decisive votes from here. This constituency has been a traditional stronghold of Shiv Sena. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has been informed of our demand for this seat.”

However, MP Barne also clarified that if, in Mahayuti’s meeting, the Pimpri seat is allocated to another party, Shiv Sena will campaign in good faith. He also highlighted how, during the Lok Sabha elections, there was a situation where the “army general” was from one side and the “army” from another, due to the NCP. Nevertheless, he assured that Shiv Sena will not repeat this in the upcoming elections and will follow Mahayuti’s ideology.

Regarding the situation, Anna Bansode said, “Shiv Sena’s claim is justified, and it is their right. However, as per the decision in Mahayuti, the seat will remain with the NCP, and I will contest it. As for the claim that there is disappointment with me, that is MP Barne’s personal opinion.”

Same Situation in Chinchwad and Bhosari

In the Chinchwad constituency, a similar situation has arisen where both NCP and Shiv Sena leaders are eyeing the seat, which has been held by a BJP MLA since 2014. Leaders have been vocal in demanding this seat, with some even hinting that if they don’t get it, they may switch parties. In the Bhosari constituency, NCP is also demanding the BJP seat. Several leaders from Ajit Pawar’s NCP, including Ajit Gavhane, the former city president, have left to join Sharad Pawar. Former MLA Vilas Lande is also on the verge of shifting sides due to being denied the opportunity to contest either in the Lok Sabha or the Vidhan Sabha.