Congress Faces Political Oblivion in Former Strongholds
The Congress party, which once dominated Pune district politics, is facing near-total political extinction in the ongoing civic elections for Saswad and Bhor Nagar Parishads. The party has managed to field only one candidate across 21 wards in Bhor Nagar Parishad, highlighting its dramatic decline in what was previously considered its bastion.
Mass Defections Cripple Congress Infrastructure
The political landscape has shifted dramatically with the defection of two former Congress legislators to the Bharatiya Janata Party. Sanjay Jagtap, former Congress district unit chief, and Sangram Thopte, who held political sway in Bhor for decades, have both switched allegiance to the BJP, taking their supporters and organizational strength with them.
Gajanan Shinde, CEO of Bhor Nagar Parishad, confirmed the alarming situation for Congress: "There are 49 candidates in fray for 21 wards of Bhor Nagar Parishad. However, only one Congress candidate is contesting the civic elections while the BJP and the NCP are contesting all the seats."
Voter Perspectives on Political Realignment
Local residents have observed the complete collapse of Congress machinery in the region. Bhor resident Shreyas Jambhulkar noted, "Except one, the Congress could not even field candidates in civic polls despite holding power for decades. This means the Congress is finished as all its workers have switched over to the BJP along with the leaders."
The political vacuum created by Congress's decline has led to intense competition between the BJP and NCP, despite their alliance at state and national levels. Thopte is now leading BJP's charge against the Ajit Pawar-led NCP to establish supremacy in local politics.
Triangular Contest in Saswad Nagar Parishad
In Saswad, the political scenario presents a triangular contest among:
- The BJP led by former Congress leader Sanjay Jagtap
- Shiv Sena led by MLA Vijay Shivtare
- Shiv Sena (UBT) contesting with support from NCP(SP) and Congress
Local trader Suresh Mojhe acknowledged Jagtap's developmental work: "The Saswad civic body has seen good development under the leadership of Sanjay Jagtap. It has been awarded at the national level for cleanliness. Many believe in the ideology of the Congress, but no one is there to lead the party."
Election Schedule and Political Implications
The elections to both Bhor and Saswad Nagar Parishads are scheduled for December 2, with counting to be conducted on December 3. This political realignment marks a significant shift in Pune district's political dynamics, where Congress has failed to win a single seat in both state assembly and Lok Sabha polls last year.
The municipality falls under the Baramati parliamentary constituency, adding another layer of significance to these local body elections. As Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Abhijit Jagtap emphasized, "It is time for voters to stand by those committed to the development of Saswad and a candidate who has self-respect and does not change political parties for personal gains."
