By Tejas Navale
Pune, November 8, 2024: As political competition intensifies across the state, candidates are devising new ways to scrutinise their rivals. One such instance has emerged in the Pimpri Assembly constituency, where an unusual display of political banners questions the current MLA’s performance in the last five years.
The Pimpri Assembly constituency is the reserved constituency. From this, Ajit Pawar has once again fielded his loyalist and the sitting MLA Anna Bansode, whereas from the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), Sulakshana Shilwant Dhar is fighting for the coveted spot.
Political banners displayed throughout Pimpri have captured public attention by posing direct questions about Bansode’s performance over the past five years. The banners, posted in prominent locations across the constituency, question his accomplishments in key areas, such as, “What did you do to strengthen MIDC? What action did you take to resolve traffic congestion issues? How many questions did you raise in the Assembly on behalf of residents? and “What did you achieve in boosting water supply?”
There are also pointed queries on his support to residents during COVID-19 and his role in tackling increasing crime in the constituency. While the source of the banners remains unknown, their message underscores growing scepticism about Bansode’s tenure.
Anna Bansode, known as a staunch Ajit Pawar loyalist, has a mixed record in Pimpri. Initially winning the seat in 2009, he narrowly lost to Shiv Sena’s Gautam Chabukswar in 2014 by 2,335 votes but reclaimed the seat in 2019. However, the current campaign atmosphere is far from easy for him, with Dr. Sulakshana Shilwant Dhar representing the educated, Dalit face of the NCP (SP) faction. While Bansode’s camp leans on his extensive experience in administration and local development, Dhar’s candidacy is energised by Sharad Pawar’s support and internal rivalry among the local NCP unit.
There is speculation that the NCP’s decision to renominate Bansode may have unsettled factions within the party itself, as some party members reportedly urged Ajit Pawar to reconsider the nomination. Several other candidates within the NCP expressed interest in running for Pimpri, yet Ajit Pawar ultimately backed Bansode. It remains uncertain whether those disillusioned within NCP ranks will support Bansode’s campaign wholeheartedly.
In Pimpri, residents appear to have lingering concerns over Bansode’s effectiveness in addressing key issues, particularly the stalled development of major projects and unresolved traffic woes. Voter interest is also piqued by the emergence of Dr. Sulakshana Dhar, whose profile as an educated, progressive leader challenges Bansode’s traditional approach.
With polling day drawing near, it remains to be seen if these banners will sway voters’ opinions or if Bansode will abe to retain his seat.
