Pune: Bapusaheb Pathare, the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) candidate for Wadgaon Sheri, asserted that development will be the central issue in his campaign and expressed strong confidence in his victory.

Pathare filed his nomination on Monday, leading a grand rally from Wadgaon Sheri village, accompanied by enthusiastic supporters, including youth, women, and senior citizens from the constituency.

Throughout the route, Pathare received warm welcomes from the public, with supporters offering traditional blessings and floral garlands.

Speaking with conviction after submitting his nomination, Pathare stated, "With the support of my dedicated party workers and the people, I am confident of winning this election.

Our campaign is focused solely on the issue of development. We are not concerned about our opponents, as the people themselves have taken control of this election and have chosen their representative."

Pathare's rally through Wadgaon Sheri village showcased the support he has garnered, with large numbers of residents turning out to cheer him on. The traditional displays of support and rally turnout reflected a strong community backing for Pathare's development-focused platform.

Meanwhile, political drama unfolded in the Wadgaon Sheri constituency, where BJP initially prepared former MLA Jagdish Mulik to submit his nomination, signaling a potential friendly contest within the Mahayuti alliance against NCP candidate Sunil Tingre.

However, with the intervention of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Mulik was asked to step back, effectively putting an end to the standoff.