Internal Tensions Surface in Pune BJP as Allegations of Sabotage Emerge; Party Worker Behind Modi Temple Resigns
Internal Tensions Surface in Pune BJP as Allegations of Sabotage Emerge; Party Worker Behind Modi Temple Resigns
As the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections draw closer, internal discord within the Pune unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come to light. Sitting MLAs from Kothrud and Khadakwasla have been accused of undermining the candidate selection process, while complaints have emerged against Shivajinagar MLA Siddharth Shirole for allegedly neglecting loyal party workers.
Mayur Mundhe, a BJP worker and member of the Shri NaMo Foundation, who famously constructed a temple dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Aundh in 2021, has publicly voiced his grievances against Shirole. Mundhe said, “I have been a dedicated party worker for years, holding various positions. Despite this, the BJP has sidelined loyal workers and prioritized those who have recently joined from other parties.
Mundhe accused BJP MLAs of appointing office-bearers to strengthen their personal support base, overlooking long-serving party members. “Former office-bearers are insulted, excluded from meetings, and ignored during the election process,” he added. Mundhe further alleged that development funds were being spent in areas represented by newer BJP members, leaving out the areas of long-term party supporters.
He also criticized Shirole’s performance, stating, “The sitting legislator has neither secured funds nor initiated any significant projects in the Shivajinagar constituency over the past five years, resulting in stalled development.”
Announcing his resignation from all party posts, Mundhe said, “I am a strong supporter of PM Modi and have worked for him, but there is no place for people like me in the party. That is why I am quitting.” He added that he had sent his resignation to Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the national, state, and city BJP leadership.
In a related development, former corporator Amol Balwadkar, who is seeking a BJP ticket to contest from Kothrud, also expressed his dissatisfaction. On Thursday, he claimed that after declaring his intention to run for the Assembly elections, he was sidelined by BJP leaders. Currently, Kothrud is represented by State Minister Chandrakant Patil.
