Pune: Tension Brews in BJP as Amol Balwadkar Stakes Claim for Kothrud Assembly Seat

Pune : As the upcoming Assembly elections approach, a power struggle appears to be brewing within the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) over the Kothrud Assembly constituency in Pune. Speculation is rife that the Kothrud seat may go to the BJP as part of the Mahayuti, but the potential candidacy has sparked a tug-of-war among party members.

In the Kothrud constituency, both Murlidhar Mohol and Medha Kulkarni have become MPs; therefore, it was expected that the BJP would once again field current MLA Chandrakant Patil, who contested the constituency in the last election, from Kothurd. However, today, former city reform committee president and BJP corporator Amol Balwadkar held a great show of strength in Balewadi and expressed his desire to contest the election from Kothrud.

In the last election, Medha Kulkarni, who previously served as the MLA for Kothrud, was replaced by Chandrakant Patil. This time, the situation has grown more complex, as Balwadkar, a local corporator, has openly staked his claim to the seat. His assertion has raised the possibility of an internal conflict within the BJP over who will represent the party in the Kothrud Assembly.

Balwadkar has shown considerable strength in his constituency, and he believes he is a strong contender for the Kothrud seat. “I am willing to contest from the BJP, and the party will definitely consider me,” Balwadkar stated. He emphasised that the BJP would select its candidate based on merit, further solidifying his claim to the seat.

As the election draws nearer, the potential clash between Chandrakant Patil and Amol Balwadkar could lead to significant tensions within the party. As Balwadkar is also eyeing the Kothrud constituency, the BJP faces the challenge of navigating this internal power struggle while maintaining unity ahead of the crucial polls.