Ahead of the crucial Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections, a high-stakes political drama is unfolding in Ward No 9, featuring bold predictions and sharp accusations. Maharashtra's Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Chandrakant Patil, has made a striking forecast, claiming that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, Lahu Balwadkar, will secure victory from this ward with the highest winning margin in the entire state.
A Battle Born from Ticket Denial
The contest in Ward No 9 has become one of the most closely watched, primarily due to last-minute ticket allocations. The BJP's decision to deny a ticket to its youth leader, Amol Balwadkar, triggered a significant political shift. In response, Amol Balwadkar switched allegiance and joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Since his move, Amol has launched a fierce campaign, directly targeting senior BJP leaders including Chandrakant Patil and Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol. He accuses them of sidelining dedicated party workers. "My ticket was cut because I sought an assembly ticket from Kothrud," Amol Balwadkar alleged, adding that he was misled with false assurances until the final moment.
Confident Predictions and Sharp Retorts
Undeterred by the controversy, Minister Chandrakant Patil campaigned extensively in the ward for the BJP's official candidate, Lahu Balwadkar. Patil expressed immense confidence in his prediction, citing his past record. He recalled accurately predicting the BJP's performance in the 2017 Mumbai municipal elections and stated that his political forecasts have consistently proven true.
"I am confident that Lahu Balwadkar will emerge as the corporator with the highest number of votes in the state," Patil declared, urging party workers to intensify their efforts in the final campaign phase. He believes voters in Balewadi and surrounding areas will back the BJP candidate in large numbers.
Amol Balwadkar, the NCP candidate from the same ward, responded sharply to Patil's prediction. He mocked the minister's confidence, suggesting that if Patil was so certain about election outcomes, he should "carry a parrot." Amol retorted that Patil's energy would be better spent ensuring fairness within the BJP's own ranks. He even quipped that if the BJP was so sure of winning, Patil wouldn't need to campaign door-to-door for the candidate.
A High-Stakes Political Battleground
The sharp exchanges between senior leaders and the candidates have elevated Ward No 9 into a symbolic battleground, reflecting larger tensions within Pune's political landscape. Amol Balwadkar credited Ajit Pawar with strengthening his campaign, noting that the NCP leader held his first Pune rally in support of him, marking a turning point in his political career.
With accusations of betrayal, claims of insider knowledge, and a high-profile defection, the election in this ward has transcended local issues. It now represents a test of influence for both the BJP and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction. The outcome here is being seen as a bellwether for political loyalties and the impact of ticket distribution disputes on voter sentiment.
As Pune heads to the polls, all eyes are on Ward No 9 to see whether Minister Patil's bold prediction of a record win for the BJP will materialize or if the rebellion led by Amol Balwadkar will sway the electorate in a different direction.
