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BJP Eyes Pune Mayor's Post Again, Banking on Metro, Airport & Alliance

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol expressed strong confidence that the BJP will retain the Mayor's post in the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation elections, highlighting infrastructure projects like metro expansion and a new airport terminal as key achievements. He emphasized the party's alliance with Shiv Sena and RPI, noting seat-sharing details are being finalized under state leadership. The BJP has prioritized women's representation, fielding 92 women candidates against a mandate of 83. Mohol also asserted the party's commitment to keeping criminals out of politics, framing the election as a contest centered on development and governance.

Key Points: BJP Confident of Retaining Pune Mayor Post in Civic Polls

  • Metro expansion & new airport terminal
  • Alliance with Shiv Sena & RPI
  • 92 women candidates fielded
  • Development & governance as poll plank
3 min read

BJP confident of retaining Pune Mayor's post in civic polls: Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol cites metro expansion, 24x7 water, and alliance with Shiv Sena & RPI as BJP's strengths for Pune municipal elections.

"The people of Pune have always supported development-oriented thinking. – Murlidhar Mohol"

Pune, January 1

Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol on Thursday expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party will once again secure the Mayor's post in Pune Municipal Corporation Election citing extensive development works carried out in the city under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis led NDA government in Maharashtra.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Pune City BJP Media Cell at Bharat Bhavan on Bajirao Road, Mohol said several citizen-centric infrastructure projects have been implemented in Pune, including the expansion of the Pune Metro, addition of e-buses to strengthen public transport, 24x7 water supply, establishment of a medical college, approval for third and fourth railway lines between Pune and Lonavala, construction of a new airport terminal, widening of Chandni Chowk, and overall development of civic infrastructure.

"The people of Pune have always supported development-oriented thinking. In the upcoming municipal elections, citizens will stand with the alliance. We are contesting the elections with full strength, and Pune's Mayor will once again be from the BJP," Mohol said.

Mohol said the Pune BJP Media Centre has been launched in view of the upcoming municipal elections and will disseminate official information to the media over the next 15 days. He added that the BJP, Shiv Sena and Republican Party of India (RPI) are contesting the elections as an alliance final number will be declared by tomorrow (January 2) as the withdrawal of the nominations deadline ends.

He noted that while 83 seats were mandated for women candidates as per 50 per cent reservation norms, the BJP has allotted tickets to 92 women candidates, giving priority to women's representation.

Asked about seat-sharing, Mohol said the BJP is ready to allot 16 seats to Shiv Sena in Pune. "Despite BJP having 105 corporators in the previous term, we have consistently worked towards an alliance. Differences over seat-sharing existed at the local level, but the matter is now being resolved under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde," he said.

He also said the BJP has allotted eight seats to the RPI. Referring to reports of Shiv Sena issuing a large number of AB forms, Mohol said questions need to be raised on why more forms were issued than required.

Commenting on allegations of some parties giving tickets to individuals with criminal backgrounds or their family members, Mohol said the BJP does not support giving political space to criminals. "Criminals should have no place in politics. Other parties may have done so, but we have not. The people of Pune are watching carefully, and voters will give their response through the ballot box," he said.

Reiterating the BJP's focus, Mohol said the party is contesting the elections on the plank of development and governance.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the projects sound good on paper, the ground reality of water supply and traffic congestion in my area hasn't improved much. Also, allotting more seats to women is a positive step 👍. Hope it translates to real empowerment.
R
Rohit P
Confident talk, but the alliance drama with Shiv Sena is the same old story. Pune needs stable governance, not last-minute seat-sharing negotiations. Let's see if they can actually deliver the new airport terminal on time.
S
Sarah B
As a long-term resident, the city has changed a lot. The focus on public transport with e-buses is commendable and needed for a cleaner Pune. However, the statement on criminals in politics needs to be followed with strict action, not just words.
V
Vikram M
The confidence comes from a track record. The third and fourth railway lines between Pune and Lonavala will be a game-changer for daily commuters. Hope they keep the development momentum going. BJP has my vote.
K
Kavya N
I appreciate the focus on women's representation with 92 tickets. That's a strong message. But development should also mean cleaner neighborhoods and better waste management. The manifesto needs to address these local issues more clearly.
M
Michael C
Setting up a dedicated media cell just before elections feels more

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