Pune: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar faced protests during his visit to the Shirur Lok Sabha constituency, where black flags were shown to his convoy by former BJP District Council President Asha Buchke and her supporters.
The protest, which took place against the backdrop of Pawar's ongoing Jan Sanman Yatra, was driven by accusations that the BJP and Shiv Sena leaders are being sidelined at government events.
The incident highlights that all is not well within the Mahayuti alliance in Pune district and has raised questions about whether this could spark tensions within the alliance in the future. Asha Buchke had previously opposed Ajit Pawar during her tenure in the District Council.
Ajit Pawar is touring the Shirur Lok Sabha constituency on Sunday (August 18). A government meeting is scheduled to be held in Junnar, to which BJP and Shiv Sena leaders have been invited. It seems that holding a grudge, Asha Buchke and her supporters took to the streets and waved black flags at Ajit Pawar.
Asha Buchke criticized Ajit Pawar for failing to fulfill his role as a guardian minister, accusing him of holding meetings only with MLA Atul Benke. The protesters demanded that Ajit Pawar apologize immediately, taking a strong stand and causing a stir with their slogans against him.
Ajit Pawar's supporters also became aggressive in response to the BJP's actions. The confrontation between leaders of both parties created a tense situation in the area for some time.
Police quickly intervened and detained Asha Buchke along with other BJP women leaders. All eyes are now on the BJP leadership to see what stance they will take on this incident.
