By Tejas Navale
Pune, November 14, 2024: The fierce political battle between the BJP’s Shankar Jagtap and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) candidate Rahul Kalate in Chinchwad took a dynamic turn today as Sharad Pawar led a massive roadshow in support of Kalate’s campaign. In a spectacular show of strength, Pawar, the NCP (SP) chief, drew enormous crowds in Chinchwad as he urged voters to back his candidate, marking what could become a critical turning point in the high-stakes assembly race.
The roadshow, which kicked off at Sai Chowk in Sangvi, witnessed an enthusiastic turnout of supporters who filled the streets to catch a glimpse of Sharad Pawar. Standing in an open tempo, Pawar waved to the crowd, acknowledging the people’s cheers and gestures with raised hands. The sheer magnitude of the turnout has effectively intensified the race in Chinchwad, where Pawar’s backing has given Rahul Kalate’s campaign fresh momentum. This follows Pawar’s earlier public rally for Ajit Gavhane, the NCP (SP) candidate from Bhosari.
Starting from Sai Chowk, the roadshow wound through major areas of the Chinchwad constituency, including Pimple Gurav, Pimple Saudagar, Kalewadi, Dange Chowk, Chinchwadgaon, and Walhekarwadi. Pawar is expected to conclude the road show with a large public rally at Walhekarwadi, where he plans to bolster support for NCP (SP) candidates in Pimpri, Chinchwad, and Bhosari, aiming to secure all three seats in the industrial hub of Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Historically, Chinchwad has been a stronghold for the Jagtap family, with late MLA Laxman Jagtap winning the seat in 2009, 2014, and 2019. After his passing in 2023, his wife, Ashwini Jagtap, won the by-election. Now, Shankar Jagtap, Laxman Jagtap’s brother, is carrying the BJP torch in a bid to retain the seat. Facing him is Rahul Kalate, who now has the formidable backing of Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) faction.
