By Nilanjana Sarkar
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has elevated his visits to Pune, fading the BJP’s determination to gain full control of the municipality. With the BJP striving for power in the state and center, keeping a hold on Pune is vital, experts note.
Fadnavis has been visiting Pune at least once a biweekly, holding vital meetings with original leaders and inaugurating colorful foundational systems. His augmented presence in the metropolis shows the party’s dedication to merging its power. Lately, Fadnavis launched systems in Shivajinagar, Sinhagad Road, and JM Road, displaying the government’s focus on development.
The BJP has placed elderly functionaries in Pune’s executive bodies, asserting influence over the megacity’s governance. Fadnavis, as Home Minister, decides on police officers posted in Pune and Pimpri- Chinchwad. Multitudinous senior officers have been transferred directly from Nagpur, reportedly near to the CM. This move is seen as a indirect way of asserting influence and strengthening the party’s hold on the municipality.
The BJP’s sweats to dominate Pune are apparent in its recent accessions. Former Congress MLAs Sangram Thopate and Sanjay Jagtap joined the BJP, bolstering the party’s position. Other important leaders, featuring Pravin Mane, former chairman of Pune Zilla Parishad, have also joined the BJP. With being leaders like Girish Bapat and Murlidhar Mohol, the BJP is confident of enlarging its influence.
Despite the BJP’s sweats, the NCP still holds power in Pune, winning the Pune Zilla Parishad choices in 2017 and controlling numerous gram panchayats around Pune. Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of Pune quarter, stays a notable force. The NCP’s control in rural areas, for instance Junnar, Shirur, Maval, Baramati, and Mulshi, presents difficulty to the BJP’s intentions.
Pune is a crucial municipality in Maharashtra, known for its educational institutions, IT sector, and cultural significance. Controlling Pune can significantly impact the state’s politics. Famous a citadel of the NCP, the BJP has been functioning to expand its impact in the municipality. With Fadnavis at the helm, the party is determined to consolidate its power and assert its dominance.