Bapusaheb Pathare, a seasoned politician with a tumultuous political journey, has once again made headlines by rejoining the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar. His return to the party marks a significant moment in Maharashtra’s political landscape, with potential implications for the upcoming assembly elections.
Pathare’s political career has been marked by twists and turns, starting with his initial stint as an NCP MLA representing the Vadgaon Sheri constituency from 2009 to 2014. However, in 2014, he faced a setback when he failed to secure re-election as all parties contested independently. This led to Pathare’s decision to switch allegiances and join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2019.
Despite his time with the BJP, Pathare found himself at odds with the party’s leadership when they chose sitting MLA Jagdish Mulik as their candidate for the assembly polls that year, sidelining him from the electoral race. This perceived snub, coupled with alleged internal conflicts within the BJP, prompted Pathare to reconsider his political affiliations and return to the NCP fold.
Pathare’s re-entry into the NCP ranks was formalized at a gathering at Sharad Pawar’s Mumbai residence, where he was accompanied by his son Surendra and three former corporators. Expressing his motivations for rejoining the party, Pathare emphasized his admiration for Pawar’s leadership and his commitment to advancing the interests of Maharashtra. As he stated, “Impressed with the work done by NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, I have joined the party. I will continue to work to make Maharashtra a progressive and prosperous state.”
The decision to welcome Pathare back into the NCP has not gone unnoticed, with some speculating on the potential ramifications of his return. Sources indicate that Pathare is likely to be considered for a candidature in the Vadgaon Sheri assembly constituency in Pune, setting the stage for a potentially contentious electoral battle against the current NCP MLA Sunil Tingre.
Tingre, who has been embroiled in controversy following a recent Porsche crash case in Pune, faces mounting scrutiny over his conduct in the aftermath of the tragic incident. Accusations of using his political influence to intervene on behalf of a juvenile driver involved in the luxury car crash, which resulted in the deaths of two young motorcyclists, have cast a shadow over Tingre’s tenure as the Vadgaon Sheri assembly seat representative.
The prospect of a face-off between Pathare and Tingre in the upcoming elections adds a layer of intrigue to an already charged political climate in Maharashtra. With both candidates vying for the support of voters in the Vadgaon Sheri constituency, the electoral contest is shaping up to be a closely watched affair with implications for the broader political landscape.
As the political landscape in Maharashtra continues to evolve, the reemergence of Bapusaheb Pathare as a key player in the NCP’s ranks underscores the fluidity and complexity of state politics. His return to the party fold not only signals a personal realignment but also sets the stage for a potentially pivotal electoral showdown that could reshape the dynamics of power in the region.
In the midst of these unfolding developments, voters in the Vadgaon Sheri constituency and beyond will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the upcoming elections. As Pathare and Tingre gear up for a high-stakes electoral battle, the spotlight will be firmly trained on their respective campaigns and the issues that resonate with the electorate.
With the political landscape in Maharashtra poised for a period of flux and transformation, the reentry of Bapusaheb Pathare into the NCP fold adds a layer of complexity to an already dynamic environment. As the countdown to the elections begins, all eyes will be on the Vadgaon Sheri constituency to see how this electoral drama unfolds and what it portends for the future of Maharashtra’s political landscape.