BJP's Mungantiwar Credits Fadnavis for Chandrapur Mayor Election Triumph
In a significant political revelation, BJP stalwart and Ballarpur MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar attributed the party's narrow victory in the Chandrapur mayor polls to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's strategic intervention. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur on Wednesday, Mungantiwar detailed how Fadnavis agreed to sweeten the power-sharing arrangement with Shiv Sena (UBT) by offering an extended mayoral tenure, which proved pivotal in securing the win.
The One-Vote Victory and Internal Party Dynamics
The knife-edge triumph, achieved by a single vote, was made possible through the support of Sena (UBT)'s six corporators and last-minute abstentions by a few others. This feat has earned Mungantiwar the moniker of 'kingmaker' in local political circles. However, he acknowledged the existence of two rival factions within the BJP in his home district, with the other camp led by Chandrapur MLA Kishor Jorgewar.
Mungantiwar demanded an internal investigation into breaches of discipline leading up to the civic body polls. He highlighted instances where more than one AB form was distributed in the same 'prabhag' and questioned the pushing of an alternative candidate for the mayor's post despite official approval for Sangeeta Khandekar. "If someone justifies this as a backup plan, then the same rule should apply in the deputy mayor case," he asserted.
Fadnavis's Direct Involvement and Strategic Approval
When queried about whether Fadnavis directly communicated with Uddhav Thackeray to finalize the deal, Mungantiwar stated he had no knowledge of any such meeting. He elaborated on the negotiations, revealing that he personally engaged in discussions four times daily with Upendra Kothekar, BJP's Vidarbha head, and consulted with other senior leaders.
"We sought the Chief Minister's approval when talks began about granting a one-year term to the other side. Upon informing him of the developing scenario, CM Fadnavis instructed that, if necessary, we should offer 15 months—but the mayor in the initial round must be from the BJP," Mungantiwar recounted. This directive was crucial in clinching the agreement with Sena (UBT).
Internal Rivalry and Leadership Tussles
Amidst the negotiations with Sena (UBT), internal discord surfaced within the BJP regarding the selection of the group leader. Jorgewar's faction insisted on their candidate assuming this role, while Mungantiwar advocated for conceding the group leader position to secure the mayor's post for the BJP. "I advised my seniors to grant them the group leader post, but ensure the mayor's seat comes to us. At that time, no one believed we could actually win the mayor's position," he explained.
Mungantiwar downplayed suggestions that this local alliance signals shifting dynamics at the state level, emphasizing, "The Chandrapur template has no connection to Maharashtra politics, and Maharashtra politics has no bearing on Chandrapur." He also refuted allegations of manipulation in securing the mayor's post, stating, "Both sides fell short of the required 34 votes, but opportunity favors those who seize it."
Rejecting the 'Kingmaker' Label and Looking Ahead
While some have hailed him as a 'chanakya' or kingmaker, Mungantiwar brushed aside such accolades, focusing instead on the collective effort. "This isn't about being a kingmaker. Our workers are delighted after prevailing in a challenging contest," he remarked. He also dismissed queries about Jorgewar's faction claiming credit for the victory, underscoring the unified achievement of the party.
The former minister's insights shed light on the intricate negotiations and internal challenges that shaped this closely fought electoral battle, highlighting the strategic acumen and decisive leadership that propelled the BJP to a hard-fought success in Chandrapur's political arena.
