In a significant political development, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar has allied with his uncle and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to launch a united offensive against the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) governance in the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). The move signals a tactical coming together of the two Nationalist Congress Party factions for the crucial civic polls.
Pawar Family Unity on Display at Rallies
On Thursday, Rohit Pawar shared the political stage with his father for the first time in over two years, following the split in the NCP. More notably, he addressed two key election rallies alongside Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in the Sangvi and Gharkul areas of Pimpri-Chinchwad. This public display of family unity marks a strategic consolidation ahead of the polls.
The core message from both leaders was a relentless attack on the BJP's current administration in PCMC, which they labelled as deeply corrupt. Rohit Pawar, echoing his uncle's recent rhetoric, accused the ruling party of taking the citizens for a ride through widespread malpractices.
Allegations of Systemic Corruption in PCMC
In his interactions with journalists and at the rallies, Rohit Pawar listed multiple areas where he alleged corruption was rampant. "Be it in the sterilisation of stray dogs, the tendering process, water tankers, or various purchases, they have indulged in corruption," he stated. He specifically singled out Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge, accusing him of being "neck deep in corruption."
Besides Landge, Rohit also targeted BJP MLA Shankar Jagtap. He framed the electoral battle in cinematic terms, declaring that "Ajitdada will become the 'Rocky Bhai' like the one in the KGF film. He will free the PCMC from the two MLAs and end their monopoly."
Local Demand Drives Alliance Against BJP
Rohit Pawar explained that the decision for the two NCP factions to join forces was driven by ground-level feedback. He revealed that local party workers and leaders had demanded a united front to effectively challenge and end the BJP's rule, which they perceive as corruption-ridden.
"When we discussed with local party leaders and workers, they told us that we should come together to end corruption in PCMC," he said. He alleged that local BJP leaders had formed rackets to loot the civic body of crores of rupees, a situation he claimed was mirrored in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), causing suffering to ordinary citizens.
On a personal note, Rohit emphasized the importance of family unity, citing Hindu and Maharashtrian cultural values. "At least for the election's sake, our family has come together. Our family should remain together always, but everything is not possible in politics," he added, hinting at the pragmatic nature of the alliance.
This united front follows Ajit Pawar's own sharp criticism of the BJP's PCMC rule, where he has been particularly severe on MLA Mahesh Landge while being softer on Shankar Jagtap. NCP leaders have announced that Ajit Pawar will hold further meetings on January 11, which will also be joined by Rohit Pawar, solidifying the cooperative campaign.
In response to the allegations, Mahesh Landge, who initially avoided commenting, has now begun retaliating. Over the past two days, he has attacked the Deputy Chief Minister, asking him to introspect and alleging that Ajit Pawar himself is involved in corrupt practices.
