Fadnavis Claims Voters Embraced BJP, Not Rejected Ajit Pawar
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared on Saturday that Pune voters did not reject Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Instead, they delivered a strong message through the BJP's local leaders. Fadnavis made these remarks one day after the BJP secured a massive win in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporation polls.
"I will not say that people have rejected dada. Rather, they have accepted the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the BJP, and us," Fadnavis stated. He was responding to questions about whether Pune's electorate had turned against Ajit Pawar. Party workers and leaders commonly refer to Ajit Pawar as "dada."
Local Leaders Delivered a 'Fitting Reply'
Fadnavis emphasized that BJP MP Murlidhar Mohol and Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge provided a fitting response to Ajit Pawar's campaign attacks. During the electioneering phase, Ajit Pawar had targeted both leaders, accusing them of derailing development and alleging corruption.
"Our two leaders are so capable that they don't have to make any complaint to anyone. They gave a fitting reply, and they have proved it," the Chief Minister asserted. He dismissed suggestions that Mohol and Landge had complained about the targeting.
Landslide Victory for BJP in Civic Polls
The election results showcased a decisive mandate for the BJP. In the Pune Municipal Corporation, the party won 119 out of 165 seats. This performance relegated the Ajit Pawar-led NCP to a distant second position with only 27 seats. The NCP (SP) managed just three seats, while the Congress secured 15.
In Pimpri-Chinchwad, the BJP achieved a clear majority by capturing 84 seats in the 128-member general body. Mohol led the BJP's campaign in Pune city, while Landge served as the party's face in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Fadnavis Thanks Voters, Acknowledges Responsibility
"I thank the voters of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad for reposing their faith in the BJP and giving us a landslide victory. I am not merely thanking them; I am indebted to them," Fadnavis expressed. He acknowledged that the overwhelming mandate also reminds the party of its responsibility towards these cities.
The Chief Minister stated that people have expressed firm faith in the BJP's vision of development and governance. He also highlighted their trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. "BJP has emerged as the number one party. Our alliance partners have also done well," he added.
Addressing Internal Party Dynamics
When questioned about potential discontent among BJP workers after inducting leaders from other parties, Fadnavis provided clarity. "Those whom we have taken into our party are not more than 10 percent. Ninety percent of our party workers have been given the party ticket," he explained.
He pointed out that the experiments conducted in Pune have yielded positive results. The party managed to win wards it had never captured before, following the induction of some leaders.
On the Role of the Opposition
Fadnavis also commented on the state of the opposition in Maharashtra. "I think the question should be asked to the opposition whether it will work for the people, are they ready to work as opposition," he remarked.
He reflected on his own experience as opposition leader from 2019 to 2022. "I did my best as the opposition leader. When you remain in the opposition, you remain among the people. By sitting at home, you can't work for the people," Fadnavis stated.
Putting Speculations to Rest
The Chief Minister noted that the poll outcome has ended numerous speculations and narratives surrounding the Pune and PCMC elections. He mentioned that the results exceeded the expectations of many people, though he did not elaborate further.
Regarding Ajit Pawar's absence from a cabinet meeting held in Mumbai on Saturday, Fadnavis revealed a prior conversation. "I had met Ajit Pawar on voting day when he told me that he would not be attending the cabinet meeting," he shared.
Looking Ahead to Mumbai Polls
When asked about the upcoming Mumbai civic body elections, Fadnavis offered his analysis. "In the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance, I had predicted that Uddhav Sena will benefit. I had predicted that MNS will be the biggest loser," he said.
He concluded that the alliance has not benefited the MNS, but Uddhav Thackeray has gained from it. The Chief Minister's comments highlight the shifting political dynamics in Maharashtra following the recent municipal victories.
