Pimpri: NCP (AP) City Unit Chief indicates MLA Anna Bansode may be dropped

Pimpri: It is assumed that sitting Pimpri MLA and NCP (AP) leader Anna Bansode would get the party ticket for the State poll. However, newly appointed City Unit President Yogesh Bahal has objected to Bansode’s style of functioning.

He alleged that the Pimpri MLA never took party corporators into confidence. He does not meet citizens. Office-bearers are not happy with him. Voters wanted a new face. Thus, Bahal indirectly opposed Bansode’s candidature.

Bahal was addressing a press meet after being appointed as the party’s City Unit President. He said, “There are many aspirants in the party, including MLA Anna Bansode, former corporators Kaluram Pawar and Jitendra Nanaware. Shiv Sena (UBT) District President Gautam Chabukswar met Ajit Pawar and me. RPI leader Chandrakanta Sonkamble wants to contest. She is ready to join our party. Former BJP corporator Seema Sawale has sought the candidature from the party. BJP’s Rajesh Pille and Tejswini Kadam met Ajit Pawar.

“Ajit Pawar is in touch with BJP office-bearers. He has given me the responsibility to speak to aspirants. Only then a decision will be made about Pimpri in a couple of days. This does not mean Anna Bansode would not get the candidature or a new candidate would not be given. The Pimpri seat will not be lost to any other alliance partner. Efforts will be made to retain it. A candidate will be chosen on their elective merit.

“Bansode was hospitalised. Our party workers complained that he was not meeting them. Some office-bearers said that he never took them into confidence. He never consulted party corporators. Voters also want a new face. An NCP (AP) MLA will be elected from Pimpri. I have been entrusted with the task to get work done from the new MLA. MP Shrirang Barne also wants a good candidate. He suggested Jitendra Nanaware’s name and promised to work for him in the election.”