In a significant political push within the Pawar family's stronghold, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has made a firm commitment to establish a Maharashtra Industries Development Corporation (MIDC) in Bhor. The promise, aimed at generating employment for the local youth, was made during an election rally for the upcoming Bhor Nagar Parishad polls, where the BJP is in a direct contest with the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
A Direct Challenge in a Traditional Bastion
The assurance marks the Bharatiya Janata Party's concerted effort to make inroads into Bhor, a tehsil that falls under the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency, long considered a fortress of the Pawar family. The BJP's presence in the area was bolstered by the induction of former Congress legislator Sangram Thopte, son of ex-state minister Anantrao Thopte. The Thopte family has had a longstanding political rivalry with the Pawars in the region.
This civic election is the first since Thopte switched to the BJP, setting the stage for a direct clash between the two parties, who are otherwise allies at the state and central government levels. The Congress has been largely sidelined, with only a single candidate in the fray for the 21-member civic body.
Promises of Development and Accusations
Addressing the rally, CM Fadnavis declared, "I will fulfill the long pending demand of starting a MIDC in Bhor for employment of the youth. I will make it successful." He urged voters to support the BJP in the Tuesday polling, promising to stand by the citizens for the next five years.
To underscore his administration's commitment, Fadnavis highlighted that a major demand had already been met: a financial relief package of Rs 467 crore for the struggling Rajgad sugar cooperative factory. He asserted that with the BJP now active in Bhor, no one could hinder its development.
Thopte's Grievances and Political Realignment
Fadnavis explained his outreach to Sangram Thopte, stating that despite the latter's hard work in previous elections, he never received justice in his former party, a fate shared by his father. The CM expressed confidence that Thopte, now in the "right party," would be able to expedite development work for Bhor.
Echoing these sentiments, Sangram Thopte launched a sharp attack on the Pawar family. He credited Fadnavis for sanctioning the crucial Rs 467 crore aid for the Rajgad sugar mill despite opposition from alliance partners. Thopte alleged that when he had approached the Pune district cooperative bank for a loan waiver for the factory multiple times, those in control (a veiled reference to Ajit Pawar) did not grant approval.
"First they ensured that Bhor never got developed," Thopte accused, "and now he is saying there has been no development of Bhor under the Thopte family." This statement encapsulates the bitter political feud that now forms the backdrop of the local elections, with development promises taking center stage.
