Campaigning Concludes for Pimpri Chinchwad Civic Polls
Campaigning for the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections wrapped up on Tuesday evening. The recent weeks witnessed a fierce battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party. Both parties pulled out all stops to capture power in the civic body.
Historic Rivalry Intensifies
The NCP ruled Pimpri Chinchwad for over twenty years before losing control in 2017. The BJP secured a massive victory that year, winning seventy-eight seats in the 128-member house. The NCP managed only thirty-six corporators, landing in second place.
Now, the NCP desperately wants to reclaim power. Ajit Pawar himself led all rallies, meetings, and press conferences for his party. The BJP hopes to repeat its previous success. Top BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, campaigned vigorously.
Key Constituencies and Close Contests
Several constituencies are witnessing nail-biting fights. In Indrayani Nagar-Balajinagar, three-time corporator Seema Sawale switched to the NCP during campaigning. She now faces Dr. Suhas Kamble, a prominent surgeon fielded by the BJP. NCP leaders allege money distribution to voters, but remain confident in Sawale's development record.
Pimpri sees former corporator Sandeep Waghere, who left the BJP to join the NCP, battling Ganesh Dhakane of the BJP. Wakad features a close contest between BJP's Rahul Kalate and NCP's Mayur Kalate, both from prominent local families.
Defections and Family Politics
Thergaon presents a unique three-cornered fight. Vishwajit Barne, son of MP Shrirang Barne, represents the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. He faces Siddheshwar Barne of the BJP and Santosh Barne of the NCP. The Sena allied with the NCP here after failing to secure a pact with the BJP.
In Chinchwad, Siddharth Bansode, son of Deputy Speaker Anna Bansode, makes his electoral debut for the NCP against Kamlesh Walke. Sangvi features former NCP corporator Prashant Shitole contesting against former corporator Atul Shitole, son of ex-mayor Nana Shitole.
Other Notable Battles
Nehrunagar pits two former corporators against each other. Rahul Bhosale contests on an NCP ticket, while former Congress member Sadguru Kadam represents the BJP. The Bhosale family has held this seat for a long time, making the outcome uncertain.
Kasarwadi-Sant Tukaram Nagar sees former corporators Sulaksahna Dhar of the NCP(SP) and Jitendra Nanaware of the NCP in direct competition. Local observers note Nanaware's connection to a strong NCP panel, while Dhar fights independently.
Polling and Results Timeline
Voting for the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation polls will take place on Thursday. The election results will be announced the following day. The campaign period saw intense efforts from both major parties across numerous constituencies.
Residents across Pimpri Chinchwad now await the final verdict. The electoral battle has highlighted shifting loyalties, family political legacies, and the high stakes for control of the civic administration.
