BJP's Landge Focuses on Unity After PCMC Poll Triumph
BJP MLA Mahesh Landge struck a conciliatory tone following his party's sweeping victory in the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections. The Bhosari legislator expressed gratitude to voters while pledging to work with all elected representatives for the industrial city's progress.
Historic Victory for BJP in PCMC
The Bharatiya Janata Party secured a commanding position in the 128-member house, winning 84 seats. This marks the party's second consecutive victory in PCMC history. The Nationalist Congress Party secured 37 seats, while Shiv Sena won 6. One independent candidate also emerged victorious.
Congress, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena faction, and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena failed to win any seats in the civic polls.
Landge's Development-Focused Approach
"The people of Pimpri-Chinchwad have reposed their faith in BJP once again," Landge stated after the results. He credited Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state party chief Ravindra Chavan for their guidance during the campaign.
The MLA emphasized that development remained the party's primary agenda throughout the election. "We will maintain a 50-year vision and work relentlessly for the city's progress," he declared.
Landge made a significant promise to involve all corporators in governance. "While ensuring development of Pimpri-Chinchwad, BJP will take all 128 corporators along. We will keep people as our focus and work collectively," he affirmed.
Notable Absence in Victory Speech
In his victory remarks, Landge conspicuously avoided mentioning Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. During the campaign, Pawar had launched sharp attacks against the BJP leader, accusing him of massive corruption in PCMC.
The NCP leader had vowed to "slay the demon" of corruption and public money misappropriation in the municipal corporation. Chief Minister Fadnavis had earlier advised Landge to maintain composure and focus on development issues during campaigning.
BJP's Campaign Strategy and Results
BJP Chinchwad MLA Shankar Jagtap, who managed the party's campaign in Pimpri-Chinchwad, highlighted the comprehensive victory. "The BJP won 84 seats across the city," he noted, crediting the late Laxmanbhau Jagtap's legacy for the success.
Jagtap explained how the party countered opposition allegations. "While opponents raised corruption charges, we showcased our development achievements. Voters responded decisively to our performance record," he stated.
The BJP secured 39 seats in Chinchwad, 35 in Bhosari, and 12 in Pimpri areas according to final results.
New Faces and Political Dynasties in PCMC
The election results brought several new faces and political scions to the municipal corporation. Surendra and Aishwarya Pathare became the only married couple elected as corporators, both winning on BJP tickets despite their father being an NCP(SP) legislator.
Other notable winners include:
- Vishwajit Barne, son of Shiv Sena MLA Shrirang Barne, winning from Thergaon
- Siddharth Bansode, son of Deputy Speaker Anna Bansode, elected from Nehrunagar
- Kushagra Kadam, son of former Mayor Mangala Kadam, winning from Sambhajinagar on BJP ticket
Most corporators in PCMC will be newcomers, with young candidates like Kunal Tilak, Swarda Bapat, Raghvendra, and Harshvardhan Mankar securing victories. Several women first-timers including Shruti Wakadkar, Manisha Lande, and Varsha Jagtap also joined the elected body.
Party's Future Direction
BJP sources revealed that state leadership instructed local leaders to avoid confrontational politics. "We have clear instructions to respond to opponents through good governance and development work," a party leader explained.
The party emphasized maintaining focus on infrastructure projects and public welfare initiatives that formed their successful election platform.
