Pune: Moreshwar Bhondve, a former NCP corporator, has joined the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) with the intention of contesting the upcoming Assembly elections. His entry has led to speculation that the Maha Vikas Aghadi may allocate the Chinchwad seat to the Shiv Sena.
However, Shiv Sena (UBT) aspirants from Pimpri and Bhosari constituencies have opposed this move, expressing their reluctance to work for an "imported" candidate and refusing to accept the Chinchwad seat allocation within the alliance.
Pimpri-Chinchwad city comprises three assembly constituencies: Pimpri, Chinchwad, and Bhosari. Both the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) and the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) within the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition are vying for the Pimpri and Bhosari seats, as they have strong candidates in these constituencies.
For Pimpri, Shiv Sena’s Gautam Chabukswar, a former MLA and district head, along with city chief Sachin Bhosale, are contenders, while the NCP has Sulakshana Dhar as an aspirant.
In Bhosari, Ajit Gawhane, who recently switched from the NCP to the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), has already started his campaign. Additionally, former BJP member Ravi Landge and district organizer Sulabha Ubale, who joined the Shiv Sena (UBT), are also vying for the Bhosari seat.
Bhondve's decision to join the Shiv Sena (UBT) comes amid the competition between coalition partners over the Pimpri and Bhosari seats. Bhondve, who is resolute about contesting the elections, claims support from disaffected former NCP and BJP corporators.
Given the absence of a strong candidate within the alliance, the decision was made to bring Bhondve into the party and consider him for the seat.
However, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders are hesitant about the Chinchwad constituency, known as a BJP stronghold, and prefer to focus on Pimpri and Bhosari, where their party has better organizational strength. Consequently, they have resolved not to relinquish these two seats.
Sachin Bhosale, the city chief of the Shiv Sena (UBT), expressed discontent over the decision, stating, "Bhondve was inducted into the party without consulting the local leadership. While we welcome individuals who aim to strengthen the party, we will not work for someone seeking entry solely for candidacy.
We have not demanded the Chinchwad seat, where the odds of winning are low. We urge the party leaders to reconsider this."
