Pimpri: WHILE Maharashtra witnessed fiery contests in most seats, in Pimpri-Chinchwad the campaigning in three assembly constituencies ended on a ”colourless” note. Candidates conducted padyatras and rallies where no top state leader was present, the Indian Express reported.
The campaigning in the three assembly seats of Chinchwad, Pimpri and Bhosari more or less was similar like the Lok Sabha elections which saw a staid fight between Shrirang Barne of Shiv Sena and Sanjog Waghere of Shiv Sena (UBT). Both had refused to criticise or attack each other in strong words, making the contest a forgettable one.
In Chinchwad seat, Shankar Jagtap of BJP is being challenged by Rahul Kalate of NCP (S-P). In Pimpri constituency, sitting NCP MLA Anna Bansode is fighting against Sulakshna Shilwant-Dhar of the NCP (S-P) and in Bhosari, sitting BJP MLA Mahesh Landge is facing challenge from NCP (S-P) candidate Ajit Gavhane.
In the 2019 election, BJP had won two seats while the undivided NCP had won one seats in Pimpri-Chinchwad. In effect, it means Mahayuti — formed later — rules Pimpri-Chinchwad.
During the entire campaigning phase, the three seats did not see too many rallies by their top State leaders. While Chief Minister Eknath Shinde did not turn, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar held two rallies and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also held two rallies. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also held a rally in Bhosari which drew lot of attention, especially for his ”Batenge Tu Katenge” remarks.
But the rally that stole the show was one held by Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar. He held two rallies in Chinchwad and Bhosaari. But the one in Chinchwad for party candidate Rahul Kalate became the talking point in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
The roadshow kicked off at Sai Chowk in Sangvi, saw a big turnout of citizens and supporters who tried to catch a glimpse of Sharad Pawar. Pawar waved to the crowd from open tempo and acknowledged their cheers. This was the first of its kind roadshow held by Pawar, party sources said.
The road show snaked its way through major areas Pimple Gurav, Pimple Saudagar, Kalewadi, Dange Chowk, Chinchwadgaon, and Walhekarwadi.
”The road show of Pawar saheb will make a big impact. The streets were jampacked with people. The rally venue overflowed the people,” said NCP (S-P) candidate Rahul Kalate who had contested the Chinchwad seatt unsuccessfully twice in the past. Shankar Jagtap is contesting the Chinchwad seat for the first time. His brother late Laxman Jagtap had won the seat twice. Ashwini Jagtap, wife of LaxmanJagtap had won in the bypoll held last year.
In Bhosari, the Mahesh Landge versus Ajit Gavhane battle witnessed some aggressive posturing. ”Responding to Ajit Gavhane camp’s allegaions against him, Mahesh Landge at a rally said he will get even with them after November 23…This stirred Gavhane camp which got further aggressive. The heat was thus generated on the Bhosari assembly seat. Otherwise the campaign in Pimpri-Chinchwad was colourless,” said political analyst Avinash Chilekar.
In Pimpri seat, sitting MLA Anna Bansode who had been under fire from former party corporators got Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to back him. Pawar held two rallies. In Pimpri, too the candidate did not indulge in an verbal duel.
Citizens too said the election campaign was without much fireworks. ”We did not feel the campaign was underway in Pimpri seat…It was so tame and without much noise and a verbal duel which happen during elections,” said Jayant Kariya, a resident of Dapodi.
”It is true that campaigning in Pimpri-Chinchwad lacked enthusiasm and colour, but the Bhosari seat generated lot of heat. I heard lot of noises against the flamboyant Mahesh Landge…Though everyone believes he will be popular choice, but I feel there is a possibility of an upset in Bhosari. The battle really became interesting in the last few days. Anything can happen in Bhosari,” said advocate Sushil Mancharkar.
