Logjam in Maha Vikas Aghadi in Pimpri-Chinchwad
Pimpri: The Congress has staked its claim on the three seats of Pimpri, Chichwad and Bhosari after the NCP (SP) claimed them. Earlier, the Shiv Sena (UBT) demanded the seats. This indicates a logjam within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
Political activities are picking pace in Pimpri-Chinchwad in the backdrop of the State Assembly polls. Party gatherings were held by the two factions of the NCP in the twin towns. Since NCP (AP) City Unit President Ajit Gavhane crossed over to the NCP (SP), along with his supporters, there were talks that the Bhosari seat would be given to the NCP (SP).
Consequently, the Shiv Sena (UBT) office-bearers from Bhosari became restive. Former BJP corporator Ravi Landge met MP Sanjay Raut. Sharad Pawar will celebrate his 85th birthday on December 12. Therefore, his party has decided to get 85 MLAs elected in the polls. To achieve this target, MLA Rohit Pawar has claimed the three seats for his party. Though the Congress has limited strength in the industrial township, it also wants to contest these seats.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) wants to reclaim its traditional constituency Bhosari. Pimpri also had a Shiv Sena MLA last time. Hence, the party wants both these seats. This is likely to compound the seat-sharing talks.
During the Congress-NCP alliance in the past, Pimpri and Bhosari used to be with the NCP while the Congress would field their candidate from Chinchwad. In the changed political scenario, the Shiv Sena (UBT) is also a part of the alliance. This has complicated matters.
On the other side of the fence, the Maha Yuti has decided the formula of granting the seat to the party, which has its sitting MLA. This means that Chinchwad and Bhosari would go to the BJP while the NCP (AP) will contest from the Pimpri.
NCP (SP) City Unit President Tushar Kamthe said, “We have a strong party organisation in the three constituencies. We have demanded them on the basis of the ability to win.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) City Unit President Sachin Bhosale said, “Every party should introspect its strength. The party having better strength should get the segment. This is our stand. I have sent a report to the party chief.”
Senior Congress leader Mayur Jaiswal said, “There is a big section of people who supports the Congress in the city. We have demanded with State President Nana Patole that we should get the three seats.”
