Pune: In a political twist, Ajit Pawar faction's former MLA from Bhosari, Vilas Lande, stands accused of aiding the Sharad Pawar faction. MLA Dilip Mohite alleges that Lande facilitated meetings between some Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation corporators and the Sharad Pawar group, backed by evidence of a gathering in Lonavala attended by Lande.
Dilip Mohite, speaking at a press conference in Chakan, Khed, challenged Lande to contest against him in the Khed-Alandi Assembly election if he has the courage. This statement comes amidst rising political tension in the constituency, with multiple aspirants vying for nominations from various parties.
Mohite is confirmed as the candidate for the Mahayuti alliance, set to face a Maha Vikas Aghadi candidate. The Sharad Pawar faction is expected to field its candidate, while the Rashtriya Samaj Paksha (RSP) claims the UBA alliance will not.
Among those seeking a nomination from the Sharad Pawar faction is Sudhir Mungse, president of the Mii Sevekari Social Foundation and son-in-law of Vilas Lande.
His efforts are reportedly in full swing. Other aspirants include former Zilla Parishad member Atul Deshmukh and former president Ramdas Thakur.
Reports suggest that Vilas Lande has helped corporator Ajit Gawhane and others join the Sharad Pawar faction to counter current MLA Mahesh Landge in Bhosari.
Gawhane, a close relative of Lande, was previously with the Ajit Pawar faction. Lande is allegedly working to secure a nomination for his son-in-law Mungse in the Khed-Alandi constituency, with meetings held between councillors and state president Jayant Patil.
Mohite openly challenged Lande to contest against him instead of promoting his son-in-law. Complaints about Lande's behavior are expected to be filed with Ajit Pawar by some NCP leaders and workers.
During the tenure of former Deputy Chief Minister R. R. Patil as Home Minister, Lande reportedly caused trouble for Mohite and his workers by falsely speaking against them to senior leaders, negatively influencing their opinion.
Lande has also been accused of working against the party's candidate in the Lok Sabha elections while publicly supporting the party.