BJP Candidate Moves High Court Against NCP Rival in Pune Ward Election
BJP candidate Ganesh Dynanoba Kalamkar has taken legal action against his political opponent in the Pune Municipal Corporation polls. Kalamkar, who is contesting from ward number 9 covering Baner, Sus, and Pashan areas, filed a writ petition in the Bombay High Court on Tuesday.
Allegations of False Affidavit and Suppressed Criminal Cases
The petition seeks cancellation of NCP candidate Baburao Chandere's nomination. Kalamkar alleges that Chandere filed a misleading affidavit by deliberately hiding pending serious criminal cases against him. According to the petition, Chandere suppressed information about FIR number 31 of 2025 and regular criminal case number 1959 of 2025.
Kalamkar claims a chargesheet has already been filed in these cases for offences punishable with imprisonment exceeding two years. Some charges carry potential sentences of up to ten years. The BJP candidate argues this suppression constitutes giving false evidence under section 229 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which is punishable with both imprisonment and fines.
"This conduct misleads the election authorities and deprives voters of their right to make an informed choice," Kalamkar stated in his petition. He told reporters he filed the petition purely in public interest to uphold electoral purity and transparency.
NCP Candidate Denies All Allegations
Baburao Chandere has strongly denied the allegations against him. The NCP candidate maintains he has shown "total transparency" in his election affidavit and will not give much credence to the petition's claims.
Chandere suggested the petition represents a political maneuver rather than a genuine legal concern. He believes Kalamkar filed the case after realizing voters across multiple areas were leaning toward the NCP.
"Voters across Baner, Balewadi, Sus, Mhalunge, Sutarwadi, Pashan and Someshwarwadi were leaning towards NCP," Chandere claimed in a released statement. He added that the BJP nominee's defeat appears certain, prompting what he called a desperate legal move.
Legal Proceedings and Political Implications
Kalamkar confirmed the petition was filed with the High Court registry on Tuesday. He expects the matter to be heard on Wednesday. The BJP candidate emphasized his action aims to ensure no one contests elections based on falsehood.
Chandere countered by stating his entire focus remains on serving voters, something he claims to have done for many years. He insists he hid no information in his poll affidavit and described the allegations as false, misleading, and defamatory.
This legal battle adds tension to the already competitive Pune Municipal Corporation elections. Ward number 9 covers several important residential areas where both candidates are campaigning vigorously. The High Court's decision could significantly impact the electoral contest in this constituency.
Political observers note such petitions have become more common in recent elections as candidates scrutinize opponents' affidavits more carefully. The outcome may set a precedent for how courts handle similar allegations in future municipal elections across Maharashtra.
