Pune, 20 Oct— The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has kicked off the electoral season by announcing its first list of candidates for the upcoming 2024 Assembly elections in Pune. In a significant move, the party has revealed 99 candidates across the state, with a strong emphasis on retaining existing members. However, the highly anticipated announcement for the Kasba Assembly constituency remains pending, creating a buzz in Pune politics.

Highlights from the Candidate Announcement

In Pune city, which comprises eight assembly constituencies, the BJP has declared candidates for only three. The selected candidates include:

• Siddharth Shirole for Shivajinagar: A well-known figure in the constituency, Shirole is seeking re-election, having established a solid rapport with voters.
• Madhuri Misal for Parvati: Representing the Parvati constituency for the third consecutive time, Misal stands out as the only female MLA from Pune to achieve this feat. Her return is seen as a testament to her popularity and effectiveness.
• Chandrakant Patil for Kothrud: A seasoned politician, Patil’s re-nomination underscores his influence in the region.

While these announcements have brought clarity to some constituencies, the Kasba Assembly seat remains a point of contention. Following the demise of former leader Girish Bapat, the BJP faced a setback in the recent by-elections despite their efforts with candidate Hemant Rasane. His defeat to Ravindra Dhangekar has left the party reconsidering its strategy in this pivotal constituency.

Speculation Surrounding Kasba Constituency Candidates

The delay in announcing the BJP candidate for Kasba has sparked speculation. Current city president Dheeraj Ghate and former president Jagadish Mulik are both eyeing the party’s nomination. With various interests at play, the BJP’s choice will significantly impact Pune’s political landscape.

Political analysts are closely monitoring this situation, as the Kasba constituency is crucial not only for local governance but also for the BJP’s overall standing in the state. The anticipation is building around whether the BJP will stick with a familiar face or introduce a new leader to engage voters effectively.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Pune Politics?

As the BJP prepares for the 2024 elections, the focus will undoubtedly be on how they navigate the challenges and opportunities in Pune. The upcoming weeks will be critical as party leaders finalize candidates and strategize their campaigning efforts. With the Kasba seat still waiting for its candidate, the political atmosphere in Pune remains charged with excitement and uncertainty.