Shrikant Pangarkar celebrated his victory in the Jalna Municipal Corporation elections with supporters on Wednesday. The independent candidate won from Ward 13, defeating opponents from the BJP and other parties. This victory comes despite Pangarkar's controversial background as an accused in the 2017 murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh.
Political Journey and Controversial Past
Pangarkar previously served as a Jalna municipal council member from the undivided Shiv Sena between 2001 and 2006. After the party denied him a ticket in 2011, he joined the right-wing Hindu Janjagruti Samiti. His political career took a dramatic turn when he was arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad in August 2018.
The ATS arrested Pangarkar in connection with the seizure of crude bombs and weapons from across Maharashtra. Authorities booked him under multiple serious laws:
- The Explosives Act
- The Explosive Substances Act
- The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
Connection to Gauri Lankesh Murder Case
Gauri Lankesh, a prominent journalist known for her liberal views, was shot dead outside her Bengaluru residence on September 5, 2017. The murder triggered national headlines and intense debates about liberalism, secularism, and communalism in India. Pangarkar faces charges in this high-profile case.
In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court granted Pangarkar bail in the Gauri Lankesh murder case on September 4, 2024. This bail came just months before the recent municipal elections.
Recent Political Maneuvers
Ahead of the November 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections, Pangarkar attempted to join the Shiv Sena. However, following public outcry over his background, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde kept his induction into the party in abeyance. This decision reflected the sensitivity surrounding Pangarkar's alleged involvement in the journalist's murder.
In the Jalna Municipal Corporation elections, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena notably did not field any candidate in Ward 13. This absence created an opening that Pangarkar successfully exploited as an independent candidate.
Broader Political Context
The Jalna election results come amid ongoing civic polls across Maharashtra. In Kalyan-Dombivli, municipal corporation results are being tallied ward by ward. Pune is also witnessing counting for its municipal corporation elections after a nine-year gap.
National political figures have entered the fray. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Election Commission of gaslighting citizens during these polls. The BJP has responded with sharp criticism, using strong language against opposition parties.
Pangarkar's victory raises important questions about political rehabilitation and public memory. It demonstrates how candidates with serious criminal charges can still find electoral success in India's complex political landscape. The case continues to highlight tensions between legal processes and democratic politics.
