The Congress party saw a modest improvement in its performance during the Pune Municipal Corporation elections on Friday. The party managed to secure 15 seats, a gain from its previous tally. However, it faced a complete shutout in the neighboring Pimpri Chinchwad civic body, failing to win even a single seat there.
Historical Context and Recent Performance
In the 2017 PMC polls, Congress had won only nine seats. This time, the party added six more to its count, reaching a total of 15. Despite this gain, some prominent Congress figures suffered defeats. Two-time corporator Avinash Bagwe lost his seat. Several leaders who had switched parties ahead of the elections also faced losses, including Ulhas (Aba) Bagul and Abhijit Shivarkar.
Internal Conflicts and Leadership Issues
Ulhas Bagul expressed his frustration over the party's internal dynamics. He stated that he never rebelled against Congress but was suspended unjustly. Bagul blamed certain party leaders for creating rifts within the city unit for personal interests. He claimed these actions negatively affected capable candidates like himself.
Pune has a long history as a Congress stronghold, dating back to the late 1880s. The city produced influential Congress leaders and statesmen such as Lokmanya Tilak before independence. Post-independence, Pune leaders like Kakasaheb Gadgil, Vitthalrao Gadgil, and Suresh Kalmadi held ministerial positions in various Union governments.
Decline Over the Decades
Congress was the dominant political force in Pune during the 1980s and early 1990s, effectively ruling the civic body. However, its influence has significantly diminished over the last two decades. In 2002, the party won 61 seats in the PMC, allowing it to retain power with support from the newly formed NCP.
By 2007, Congress seats dropped sharply to 36. The downward trend continued in 2012, with the party winning only 28 seats in the 152-member house. In 2017, it hit a low of just nine seats before the recent slight recovery to 15.
Veteran Leaders' Perspectives
Veteran Congress leader Ulhas Pawar attributed the party's decline in Pune to persistent infighting. He expressed disappointment over the party's waning presence in the city. Pawar noted that many leaders in key positions drifted away from the party's core principles, contributing to electoral losses.
Pimpri Chinchwad's Steep Decline
The Congress party also experienced a severe decline in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. In 2017, it failed to win any seats, a stark contrast to the 14 seats it secured in 2012. The party's performance has been deteriorating since 2002 when it had 36 corporators, dropping to 20 in 2007.
This electoral outcome highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Congress in maintaining its historical foothold in the Pune region. The party's struggle to regain past glory continues amid internal disputes and shifting political landscapes.
