A tug of war in Pune between BJP and NCP (AP) over Legislative Council seat: Jagdish Mulik confident about party’s promise, Deepak Mankar wants opportunity
Pune: A bypoll for five seats of the State Legislative Council has been announced. One seat is likely to be allotted to Pune. The ruling alliance partners, the BJP and the NCP (AP), want it for their party leader from the city.
Former BJP MLA and City Unit President Jagdish Mulik and NCP (AP) City Unit President Deepak Mankar have started lobbying for a seat. Political circles are curious to know if one of them is chosen or someone else gets the opportunity.
Mulik is confident
Jagdish Mulik is a former MLA. He was defeated by the then undivided NCP candidate Sunil Tingre. Mulik was also the City Unit head of the party. He was an aspirant for the Lok Sabha poll. However, Murlidhar Mohol was given the ticket.
The BJP had an alliance with the NCP (AP) during the State polls. The seat from Mulik’s segment was given to the NCP (AP). Therefore, Mulik had to keep quiet again. Party leader Devendra Fadnavis promised to consider his name for the State Legislative Council. Therefore, Mulik is confident that Fadnavis would fulfil the promise made to him.
Mankar is insisting
Deepak Mankar is a close aide of Ajit Pawar. He sided with Ajit Pawar after the split in the NCP. He was appointed the party’s city unit head. Since then he has been the incharge of the city unit. Earlier, he contested the State polls but was defeated.
Now, he is insisting that he should be elected to the Legislative Council. He is lobbying, along with his supporters. Mankar is of the view that Ajit Pawar would consider his name. His supporters would meet the party leader and present their demand.
Pune may get 10th legislator
There are eight assembly segments in Pune. Moreover, Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr Neelam Gorhe is an MLC. If the city gets a seat in the Legislative Council, it will be the 10th legislator from the city.
DyCM Ajit Pawar, who is also the District Guardian Minister, is insisting on a seat for his party leader from Pune. It will help his party to expand in the city. He may get it but it is still not known who he may choose for the post. If a new face is chosen, Mankar will have to step back.
