By Tejas Navale
Pune, October 21, 2024: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. The list includes 99 candidates, of which 13 are women. All prominent ministers and sitting MLAs with strong track records have been retained by the BJP in this list, while constituencies that have disputes with alliance partners or weaker candidates have been left for the second round.
BJP’s Performance in Pune District
In the 2019 Assembly elections, the BJP secured nine out of the 21 seats in Pune district. However, it lost the Kasba Peth seat in the 2023 by-election, following the demise of former MLA Mukta Tilak. Congress’ Ravindra Dhangekar won the by-poll, reducing the BJP’s strength in Pune city to eight. Despite this setback, BJP held on to the Chinchwad seat after the passing of MLA Laxman Jagtap.
Six Candidates Announced, Three Seats Remain Undecided
In its first list, the BJP announced candidates for six of the nine constituencies it holds in Pune district. In five of these, the party followed a status quo approach by retaining the sitting MLAs. However, in a significant move, Shankar Jagtap was fielded from Chinchwad, replacing his sister-in-law, Ashwini Jagtap, who had won the seat in a 2023 by-election after her husband Laxman Jagtap’s death.
Key MLAs Retained; Khadakwasla and Pune Cantonment Candidates Yet to be Announced
In its first list, the BJP has re-nominated several prominent names, including Mahesh Landge (Bhosari), Siddharth Shirole (Shivajinagar), Chandrakant Patil (Kothrud), Madhuri Misal (Parvati), and Rahul Kul (Daund). However, the party has yet to announce candidates for Khadakwasla, where sitting MLA Bhimrao Tapkir awaits confirmation, and Pune Cantonment, where MLA Sunil Kamble’s candidacy remains undecided.
Uncertainty Over Kasba Peth Candidate as Brahmin Community Pushes for Representation
Interestingly, the BJP has not announced its candidate for Kasba Peth, a long-time BJP stronghold. After losing the seat to Congress in the 2023 by-election, internal disputes have emerged within the party over the choice of candidate. Political observers believe the party’s failure to field a Brahmin candidate contributed to its defeat last year. Recently, the president of Brahman Mahasangh urged the BJP to correct this mistake by nominating a candidate from their community, as tensions rise over the future of this crucial seat.
Internal Protests in Chinchwad Over Jagtap Candidacy
The decision to field Shankar Jagtap in Chinchwad has stirred discontent within the BJP’s ranks. Ashwini Jagtap, the current MLA, was reportedly interested in contesting again, but the party chose to give her brother-in-law the ticket. Similarly, several former corporators, including Chandrakant Nakhate and Shatrughna Kate, have protested against the Jagtap family’s continued control over the constituency. Despite this, the BJP has shown confidence in Shankar Jagtap.
Madhuri Misal Gets Fourth Term, Despite Bhimale’s Aspirations in Parvati
In the Parvati constituency, BJP leader Shrinath Bhimale, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Advisory Contract Labour Board, had been eyeing the party ticket. However, the party has again chosen sitting MLA Madhuri Misal, giving her a fourth consecutive term, despite internal calls for change.
Chandrakant Patil Retained in Kothrud Amid Party Opposition
Chandrakant Patil, a former state president and current minister, will contest from Kothrud again, despite opposition from within his party. Many former corporators had protested against Patil’s candidacy, but BJP’s decision to give a Rajya Sabha seat to Medha Kulkarni and a Lok Sabha ticket to Murlidhar Mohol appears to have paved the way for Patil to stay in the fray.
BJP Sticks to Tried and Tested Candidates in Bhosari, Daund, and Shivajinagar
As anticipated, the BJP has opted for a conventional approach in Bhosari, Daund, and Shivajinagar, retaining its sitting MLAs—Mahesh Landge, Rahul Kul, and Siddharth Shirole—indicating the party’s confidence in their ability to secure re-election.
The remaining candidates, including those from high-stakes constituencies like Kasba Peth and Khadakwasla, are expected to be announced in the second round as the BJP gears up for a closely fought election season.
