Pune: The electoral landscape in Wadgaon Sheri has undergone significant changes this election season. Current MLA Sunil Tingre, who has aligned himself with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar, is expected to receive the nomination from the Mahayuti (Grand Alliance).
This development could hinder the aspirations of former MLA Jagdish Mulik, who is keen on reclaiming his seat in the assembly.
In a notable shift, former MLA Bapu Pathare and his son Surendra Pathare have joined the NCP led by Sharad Pawar, seizing the opportunity presented by public sentiment and potential nomination under the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition.
Bapu Pathare's candidacy is widely regarded as secure, setting the stage for a direct contest with the incumbent MLA Sunil Tingre.
The political atmosphere has intensified following the connection of MLA Tingre to the Kalyaninagar accident case, prompting sharp criticism from prominent party leaders Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also distanced itself from Tingre, officially stating in a written communication that they will not support his endeavors.
The election campaign is expected to be focused on several critical issues, including the Kalyaninagar Porsche accident case, severe traffic congestion, recurring waterlogging, flood conditions,
increasing unemployment rates, rising drug addiction among the youth, the deteriorating condition of roads, inadequate water supply characterized by low pressure, law and order challenges, and ongoing gang activities in companies.
Additionally, the stalled development projects in Lohegaon and the inauguration of numerous projects despite incomplete work are also expected to be significant topics of discussion.
In the previous elections held in 2019, Tingre secured a majority of 97,700 votes, winning by a margin of 4,973 votes.
