Kothrud Assembly Constituency | Pune: Amol Balwadkar stages robust show of strength in Kothrud; announces decision to contest against Chandrakant Patil in public function (Videos)

Common citizens don the role of Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister; honoured citizens become emotional

Pune: Former Corporator Amol Balwadkar has announced his decision to contest against State Minister Chandrakant Patil from the Kothrud Assembly constituency.

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Justifying his decision, Balwadkar said, “I worked for them dedicatedly. I supported them at every step 24X7 for the past five years. But when these leaders come to know that a worker is aspiring to contest the State poll, they threaten him. Everyone knows that the ticket will finally be given to the sitting MLA. They should, at least, acknowledge that a worker is an aspirant. If they are not even broad-minded enough to appreciate a worker’s aspirations, then I think one should not be afraid of anybody if people’s blessings are with you.”

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Balwadkar organised a get-together of the people. Over 40,000 citizens were present for the programme, where he staged a robust show of strength on Sunday (October 6).

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The Jan Ashirwad Melava (get-together seeking people’s blessings) and the Diwali Saranjam (Diwali provision kit) distribution was held for residents of the Kothrud Assembly constituency at the Balewadi High Street ground. Over 40,000 citizens were given the kits.

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Speaking on the occasion, Balwadkar said, “The Lok Sabha elections were held a few months ago. I visited citizens to campaign for the party candidate. They used to tell me that I should move ahead in life. As I met more and more people, they insisted that I should contest the Assembly poll.

“People are facing many problems. They feel that I could solve their issues. Therefore, it was obvious that they insisted on contesting the State election. Later, workers also started demanding the same thing. I have been working for the party for the past 10 years. I have toiled to take the party’s policies, government schemes to the people. The party also knows this.

“As long as I was working for my leaders and supporting them at every step, they did not have any grouse against me. However, when citizens and workers insisted that I should contest the poll, I expressed my wish, as a commitment towards citizens, to fight the State Assembly election.

“The moment I spelled this out, the leaders became hostile. They avoided attending my programmes. They threatened workers that they should not work for me. They also threatened to expel me from the party. The party trusts me. If leaders become selfish, what is wrong if workers also think about themselves? Will the party take immediate action against them?

“I want to convey to my party that there is still time. The party should consider me as its candidate from the Kothrud Assembly seat. However, if the party does not give me the ticket, then I have my options open.”

‘I am not afraid as long as the people are with me’

Amol Balwadkar said, “I did not even think of contesting the State poll five months ago. But the people nudged me to aspire for it. They are extending their support. When the people are with you, you need not fear anybody. It does not make any difference to me. I have the support of the people. Nobody can harm me.”

Balwadkar’s show of strength being talked about

Amol Balwadkar invited common citizens such as domestic aides, workers, vada-pav vendors, women and senior citizens as the chief guests for the get-together. He honoured them. Balwadkar made them honorary Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Ministers.

As the programme was over, it was observed that people from the Kothrud area were talking about the get-together at every nook and corner.