The political atmosphere in Pune's Ward No. 5, covering the Wadgaon Sheri and Kalyaninagar areas, charged up on Sunday as rival parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), hit the streets with competing padayatras. The day unfolded with a series of intense door-to-door campaigns, where candidates from both sides folded their hands before voters, listening to grievances and promising a better, developed future for the locality.
BJP's Morning March: Focus on Teamwork and Past Work
Residents of the ward were greeted early in the morning by a BJP foot march, spearheaded by a four-member panel. The group included former corporator and ex-standing committee chairman Yogesh Mulik, along with Narayan Galande and candidates Shweta Galande and Kavita Galande. The rally commenced at 8 am from Yashwantnagar, with Mulik leading the way.
A significant highlight was the presence of Narayan Galande, who had switched from the NCP to the BJP merely two weeks prior. This created a buzz among onlookers, as Galande had once been a political opponent of Mulik. Their united front on Sunday, walking shoulder-to-shoulder, symbolized a fresh political realignment in the area.
The campaign trail was interactive. After a breakfast stop at a local spot, the candidates engaged in a frank discussion with residents. Several women highlighted the persistent issue of erratic water supply, explaining the daily struggle of having to stay alert to store water whenever it is available. The BJP panel acknowledged these problems and assured follow-up action.
Moving through older pockets like Sai Krupa society and Vitthalnagar, the candidates were welcomed into homes. Many women performed aarti for them. Mulik used the gatherings to emphasize the importance of equal gender representation in a team's strength. A senior citizen commended Mulik for his past work in improving Wadgaon Sheri, urging him to continue the momentum without slowing down.
As the rally progressed towards Indian Education Society, Kamalnagar, and Jawale Complex, a young voter flagged critical infrastructure issues. "Roads need urgent repairs and traffic is impossible to navigate," he stated. The panel agreed, promising to prioritize these concerns. Mulik reminded voters that during his tenure as standing committee chairman, substantial funds were directed to Pune's eastern suburbs, resulting in visible development, a trend he vowed to continue.
NCP's Energetic Evening Counter-Rally
As dusk settled, the NCP launched its own energetic counter-rally in Wadgaon Sheri, banking on its grassroots connect and experience. The rally began from Bhairavnath Mandir, where candidates sought blessings before stepping out. It was led by former corporator Sunita Galande and joined by Sandip Jarhad, who recently moved from the BJP to the NCP after being denied a ticket.
Rupali Galande also participated. However, the presence that drew particular attention was that of veteran politician Sachin Bhagat, a Shiv Sena corporator from 2002 until the last term in 2017. As a familiar face and old-timer in Wadgaon Sheri, Bhagat's participation added considerable weight to the NCP's campaign.
The rally snaked through the bustling vegetable market at Anand Park, where shoppers paused to greet the candidates amidst waves of NCP flags bearing the party's clock symbol. The trail continued to Swami Samarth Mandir and Somnathnagar before concluding at Raje Shiv Chhatrapati Garden.
Along the route, residents shared concerns and offered encouragement. A middle-aged shopkeeper stressed the need for accessible leaders, while a woman from Somnathnagar reiterated the daily battles with water supply and cleanliness. Sunita Galande addressed supporters, stating, "Wadgaon Sheri has always trusted leaders who work on the ground. We are committed to resolving basic civic issues on a fast-track with honesty."
Echoing the sentiment of combined experience, Sachin Bhagat said, "I have seen the ward grow over decades. With experience and youth together, we will ensure development that people can actually feel."
A High-Voltage Contest in the Making
The duelling padayatras in Ward No. 5 have set the stage for a fiercely competitive election. The day showcased not just promises but also shifting political loyalties and a direct appeal to the electorate's pressing daily concerns. With both BJP and NCP pulling out all stops, the clash promises to be a defining and interesting battle in the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation polls, with voters keenly watching which party's assurances will translate into tangible action.
