In a landmark event for Pimpri Chinchwad's political landscape, Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Supriya Chandgude has secured a historic victory. She was elected unopposed from Ward No. 10 of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), becoming the first woman candidate to achieve this feat in the civic body's history.
A Victory Born from Grassroots Work
Chandgude expressed surprise at the unopposed win, describing it as a powerful reflection of the electorate's confidence in her. She attributed her success to the relentless efforts of BJP party workers and local leaders, specifically naming Shankar Jagtap, Amit Gorkhe, and Mahesh Landge for their steadfast support during the campaign. However, she was quick to assert that the real credit belongs to the voters, calling the result a prestigious moment for both the city and Maharashtra.
This victory follows a narrow defeat in the previous municipal elections. Chandgude revealed that instead of stepping back, she doubled down on her grassroots presence. "Regular interaction with residents, consistent networking, and resolving civic issues helped build trust over the years," she explained, highlighting the groundwork that paved the way for this unprecedented win.
Women's Welfare at the Core of the Agenda
Outlining her priorities, Chandgude placed women's issues at the focal point of her upcoming term. She stressed the urgent need for better hygiene, pointing out the critical lack of proper public toilets and related facilities for women in the ward. Her agenda is set to include:
- Creating more employment opportunities for women.
- Improving safety and security measures.
- Addressing routine civic concerns like water supply, street lighting, and basic infrastructure.
Political Endorsements and an Upcoming Inquiry
BJP MLA from Chinchwad, Shankar Jagtap, hailed the unopposed election as a public stamp of approval for the work done in the ward between 2017 and 2022. He stated that it marks a new beginning for development in Pimpri Chinchwad. BJP MLC Amit Gorkhe offered a strategic perspective, suggesting that opposition candidates withdrew their nominations fearing her strong candidature and consistent ground-level work.
However, this historic win comes with a caveat. The State Election Commission has announced an inquiry into all cases across Maharashtra where candidates have been elected unopposed. This probe raises questions about whether the results of Pimpri's Ravi Landge and Supriya Chandgude will face any scrutiny or impact, adding a layer of anticipation to the political development.
