Pune Civic Elections 2026: Eknath Shinde Slams Attack On Shiv Sena Candidates, Says Party Will Not Bow To Intimidation
Pune Civic Elections 2026: Eknath Shinde Slams Attack On Shiv Sena Candidates, Says Party Will Not Bow To Intimidation
Pune, January 10, 2026: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has strongly condemned the alleged stone-pelting incident targeting Shiv Sena candidates during election campaigning for the Pune Municipal Corporation polls scheduled on January 15. Calling the incident an act of political intimidation, Shinde asserted that such tactics would not weaken the resolve of the party or its workers.
The incident was reported from the Kale Padal area in Hadapsar, where Shiv Sena candidates Pramod Nana Bhangire and Sarika Pawar were allegedly attacked while campaigning late on Wednesday evening. According to Bhangire, stones were thrown at their vehicle, resulting in damage to the windscreen, while Pawar suffered minor injuries.
Reacting to the incident while addressing a public gathering in Katraj, Shinde issued a stern warning to rival political parties, urging them to refrain from what he described as cowardly political behaviour. He stated that Shiv Sena workers draw inspiration from Balasaheb Thackeray and will not be intimidated by violence or threats. Emphasising the party’s internal strength, Shinde said the Shiv Sena stands firmly with its grassroots workers.
Shinde also referred to recent political slogans used against his faction, including the ‘50 khokhe’ remark that has surfaced following the Shiv Sena split in 2022. Dismissing attempts to malign his leadership, he downplayed the controversy and reiterated that his party continues to work in coordination with the BJP in several civic bodies, including Mumbai.
Expressing confidence ahead of the Pune civic polls, Shinde said the Shiv Sena should not be underestimated, even where it is contesting independently. He highlighted the party’s commitment to the Hindutva ideology espoused by Balasaheb Thackeray and said it remains deeply rooted among the people.
Taking an indirect swipe at former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Shinde remarked that no individual owns political power, asserting that it is ultimately the citizens who decide leadership through democratic means.
The civic election landscape remains complex, with the BJP and Shiv Sena contesting separately in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP has aligned with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), making the contest highly competitive.
