Ichha Sharma, Pune
Residents of the Bhosari Assembly seat enthusiastically enjoyed “akhaad parties” on Sunday as the local BJP rank and file made every effort to keep the electorate in a good mood in preparation for the approaching civic elections.
This was the first time after the Covid that they had done so. Mahesh Landge, a BJP MLA and president of the Pimpri-Chinchwad unit who is well-known as “pahalwan” in Bhosari and other places was the driving force behind the creation of the “akhaad parties.”
The Landge Camp stated that it had purchased “8,000 kg chicken and 8,000 kg mutton and eggs” to be given with “bhakri and bhaat,” the traditional Maharashtrian meals, for the “Akhaad parties” hosted on Sunday at various sites throughout the Bhosari seat.
On the final day of the month of Ashadh, which falls on July 17 this year, Maharashtra celebrates the ‘akhaad’, a feast for meat lovers. Following this, many people abstain from eating non-vegetarian food for the entire month of Shravan. The ‘akhaad parties’ in Bhosari had all the glitz and glam of a political campaign.
It was organized by the Landge Camp in up to 12 wards of the Bhosari Assembly constituency. It took place in the following locations on Sunday: Bhosari, Moshi, Nigdi, Dighi, Nehrunagar, Jadhavwadi, Triveninagar, Sambhanijagar, Talawade, and Chikhli. There were temporary shamianas set up.
The MLA stated that “over 72,000 residents” had been invited to take part in the festivities. The MLA’s party likely cost him “over Rs 50 lakh and he financed it from his own pocket,” according to individuals close to him.
Kartik claimed that the feast’s preparations had been going on for several days. An akhaad party involves non-vegetarian cuisine, so we made arrangements well in advance to obtain 8,000 kg of chicken and mutton through our various sources, he said.
The Landge Camp had also distributed a helpline number if anyone planning to attend the feast could not find the location, The primary organizer and Mahesh Landge’s brother, Kartik Landge, stated, “Actually, the akhaad festivities began on July 5. However, on Sunday, it took place concurrently at a number of locations throughout the Assembly constituency.
“I don’t know whether I will be included in the cabinet or not,” said Landge, a candidate for a ministerial position in the Shinde-Fadnavis administration. “But I am waiting with anticipation.” Landge was denied a ministry from 2014 to 2019 when the BJP was in power.
Landge, acquainted with Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis, anticipated his inclusion in the ministry even after the BJP and Shinde Sena won the election in June of last year. “Hopefully, it will work out this time. According to Kartik Landge, Pimpri-Chinchwad is no longer a part of the state ministry.