Pune: \u201cNo one is born a criminal. A wrong step at the wrong time pushed me into crime, but I have come out of it. I now want to erase the criminal tag attached to me and become part of the social mainstream. I want to work for society. I have been given an opportunity if voters give me a chance, I will turn it into gold, diamonds, and pearls,\u201d said Bapu Nair, the NCP-RPI Kharat group candidate from Ward No. 39-D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bapu Nair\u2019s candidature from Upper Super Indiranagar has sparked widespread discussion, as he was once identified as a gang leader in police records. Responding to the controversy, Nair clarified that he has received the ticket from the IPI Kharat group aligned with the NCP, and not directly from the party leadership. \u201cPeople say crime should end we agree. But if someone leaves crime and tries to enter the mainstream, why target him? Why label him with words like \u2018monster\u2019 or \u2018demon\u2019?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sharing his background, Nair said he comes from a modest family his mother was a teacher at a school for the differently abled, and his father is a vegetable vendor. \u201cWhile studying, the environment around me and life in a slum area pulled me into crime. Cases were filed against us due to disputes between Ganesh mandals. I drifted in the wrong direction at the wrong time,\u201d he said. \u201cBut it has been five years without a single case. I have decided to stay out of trouble and work for society.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On public response, Nair said voters are eager for change. \u201cEarlier representatives became contractors instead of public servants. Corporators turned into \u2018owners,\u2019 not servants. There is contractor raj dumpers, machines, everything belongs to them. Citizens are fed up and want change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highlighting local issues, he pointed to sanitation, garbage disposal, and clean drinking water as key concerns in Upper Super Indiranagar. \u201cThe death of a UPSC-qualified youth due to dengue is shameful. Open drains spread filth and cause health problems we will build protective walls. Drainage lines often run in front of homes; this must change. Previous representatives failed to solve these issues,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nair added that as the ruling alliance holds power, support from Guardian Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will ensure funds for development. \u201cTo solve citizens\u2019 basic problems, an opportunity is essential.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Concluding, Nair reiterated: \u201cNo one is born a criminal circumstances push people there. I am determined to leave it behind and join the mainstream. To wipe away this stigma, I need the people\u2019s support.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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