Internal Strife Erupts in Pune BJP Over Credit for Lok Sabha Victory
Pune, 15th June 2024: Tensions within the BJP’s city unit have surfaced publicly as various functionaries have erected flex boards, banners, and posters claiming credit for the party’s success in the recent Lok Sabha elections. This internal dispute includes former BJP corporators and contenders eyeing tickets for the upcoming assembly elections, who have flooded social media with reels and videos asserting their roles in the party’s electoral triumph, particularly in the Kasba Peth constituency.
Last year, BJP lost its stronghold in Kasba to Congress’s Ravindra Dhangekar during a bypoll, causing a significant setback. However, the tide turned in this year’s Lok Sabha polls, with BJP securing a substantial lead in the constituency against its opponents. Many BJP leaders have taken to social media to highlight their individual contributions to the party’s improved vote share.
Gaurav Bapat, son of late Girish Bapat, former Pune MP and ex-Kasba Peth MLA, expressed dissatisfaction with the individualistic claims and publicity. In a social media post, Bapat emphasized that electoral victories should be attributed to collective efforts rather than to any single person.
“The wise voters of Pune placed their trust in BJP. Murlidhar Mohol won with a majority exceeding one lakh votes,” Bapat stated. “However, it’s disheartening to witness certain BJP leaders in Pune competing to singularly claim credit for this victory in specific constituencies.”
Bapat clarified that his post was not aimed at targeting any individual or group but was intended to acknowledge all deserving contributors to the party’s success. “I stand by my words. This post reflects my sentiments and is unrelated to the upcoming state assembly polls,” he affirmed.
Dheeraj Ghate, head of BJP’s city unit, emphasized that the party recognizes the collective efforts of its workers. “The victory in Pune’s Lok Sabha election is the result of years of dedication and teamwork,” Ghate stated. “The BJP’s principles have always guided us to attribute success to the collective efforts of our supporters.”
Although the BJP’s overall victory margin in Pune has seen a decline, Murlidhar Mohol’s commendable performance in the Kasba Peth assembly constituency has provided solace. Mohol acknowledged the crucial role played by Kasba voters in his triumph. “My true victory lies in Kasba. We have defeated Congress there,” Mohol asserted.
