Pune: Following the death of Mukta Tilak, Congress's Ravindra Dhangekar delivered a significant blow to the BJP by winning the Kasba constituency seat.
This victory has ignited a prestige battle for the BJP, which is now grappling with selecting a suitable candidate to challenge Dhangekar in the upcoming assembly elections.
Kasba Peth, a BJP stronghold for 28 years, saw its dominance wane after Dhangekar’s by-election win. Historically represented by Girish Bapat from 1995 to 2019, and Mukta Tilak until her demise in 2023, the by-election drew intense statewide attention.
Despite nominating Hemant Rasane, former Pune Municipal Corporation Standing Committee Chairman, the BJP was unable to retain the seat, raising questions about its candidate selection and internal conflicts.
Currently, incumbent MLA Ravindra Dhangekar’s candidacy from the Congress seems assured, while the BJP faces a three-way contest for its ticket.
Mukta Tilak's son Kunal, Girish Bapat's daughter-in-law Swarada, and Hemant Rasane are all contenders, each with their claims and preparations. The BJP must finalize its candidate before strategizing to reclaim Kasba Peth.
Since his by-election victory, Dhangekar has remained in the public eye, notably challenging Muralidhar Mohol in the Lok Sabha elections and engaging in protests on significant local issues. Despite a loss of 150,000 votes, Dhangekar’s continued activism underscores his political relevance.
A significant factor in the upcoming election is the ‘family dilemma’ faced by the BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public meeting in Pune, with Swarada Bapat conducting proceedings, has sparked discussions about her potential candidacy.
As a former councilor of Sangli Miraj Kupwad Municipal Corporation, her claim is strong. However, the BJP’s previous decision to bypass the Tilak family proved costly, complicating the selection process.
