General Elections: Ramesh Bagwe hints at rebellion if Congress doesn’t give ticket

As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is yet to announce its candidate for the Pune Cantonment Assembly constituency, there are rumors that the party may replace some of its sitting MPs in the district. On the other hand, former state minister Ramesh Bagwe along with his son Avinash Bagwe might rebel against the Congress if the party does not consider his father’s name in the assembly polls.

Addressing the rumours, Avinash Bagwe rejected the possibility of joining any other party and said, “We are keen to seek nomination from the Congress party and plan to contest the election only through the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).” We hope our name will be announced either tonight or tomorrow. If necessary, we will run as independents, but not with another party.”

The BJP on Sunday announced its first list of three candidates from Pune, including Chandrakant Patil from Kothrud, Madhuri Misal from Parvati and Siddharth Shirole from Shivajinagar. However, candidates for Khadakwasla, Pune Cantonment and Kasba Peth seats have not been announced yet. Sources suggest that the BJP’s internal polls for the Pune Cantonment seat have shown unfavorable results for sitting MP Sunil Kamble, indicating that the Congress continues to have a strong preference in this constituency, like in the Lok Sabha elections was to be seen. Sources added that the party may consider replacing the candidate.

“There are deliberate attempts by some of our own party members and BJP leaders to spread these rumours,” Bagwe alleged, indicating an attempt to undermine his position.

A senior BJP leader, requesting anonymity, noted, “The BJP is concerned about retaining the Pune Cantonment seat and there are talks about changing candidates.” However, the party lacks a strong candidate from its ranks. The Republican Party of India (RPI), an alliance partner, is also claiming the seat. If the BJP finds a suitable candidate from outside, it could consider it.”

Another source highlighted Bagwe’s struggles within his own party.

“Bagwe is having difficulty securing the Congress ticket. A few months ago, he traveled to Delhi to express concern that he was being sidelined by local leaders. The party has even brought in another candidate, Avinash Salwe, and is promoting him. Against this background, a change in political strategy would not be surprising.”

As the wait for the official announcement continues, speculation about the next steps of both the BJP and Bagwe is likely to continue.