Pune: The race for the Parvati Assembly constituency has already begun ahead of the official announcement of the state assembly elections. Within the BJP, competition for the candidacy is heating up, while the Congress is trying to reclaim the seat from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar.
BJP candidates are aggressively promoting government schemes, while the Congress is organizing community dinners. In this context, loyal Congress worker Aaba Bagul, who was dissatisfied during the Lok Sabha elections, met Sharad Pawar at Modibaug today (July 16) to express his interest in the Parvati Assembly seat.
Within the Maha Vikas Aghadi, a tug-of-war is ongoing between the Congress and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) over this constituency. Former Deputy Mayor Aaba Bagul, a dedicated Congress member, wants to contest the assembly elections from Parvati, but the seat is not currently held by his party, causing frustration.
Bagul has served as a municipal corporator for six consecutive terms and is now determined to become an MLA. He has urged his party to secure the constituency for the Congress, even going as far as to consider rebellion and public protests during the Lok Sabha elections. Now, he is employing "dinner diplomacy" to make his case.
Bagul stated, "Every nomination is crucial now. I requested Pawar to let the Congress contest from the Parvati Assembly. Pawar said if I am likely to win, they will consider it. The Congress has given opportunities to many, but not to me. I believe I can win. I have been a loyal Congress worker for the past 30-40 years."
When asked if he would get a chance given the many aspirants within the Maha Vikas Aghadi, Bagul replied, "Ultimately, the party leadership will decide. Their decision is final. I am determined to contest, but all I can do is request. I am confident that if I get the nomination, I will definitely become an MLA."
In the BJP, former House Leader Shrinath Bhimale is actively preparing for his candidacy. Former corporator Rajendra Shilimkar is also vying for the nomination from this constituency.
Incumbent MLA Madhuri Misal is keen to retain her position. Their efforts include promoting government schemes and voter registration drives. The high number of aspirants has led to factions forming within the BJP's local cadre, creating an election-like atmosphere in the Parvati constituency even before the official campaign has begun.