In a significant political development, Sanjog Waghere, the former president of the Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) Pimpri-Chinchwad unit, has crossed party lines to join Shiv Sena (UBT). The three-time corporator and former mayor of Pimpri-Chinchwad is now poised to be a key contender for the Shiv Sena ticket in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, specifically from the Maval constituency.
Hailing from Pimpri Gaon, Waghere’s decision to switch allegiance to Shiv Sena was finalized during a meeting with Uddhav Thackeray at his Mumbai residence. This move was met with approval from all party office-bearers in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Maval who were present at the meeting, as confirmed by party spokesperson Sanjay Raut. Raut also hinted at Waghere’s strong candidacy for the Maval Lok Sabha seat.
Waghere, who previously served as the NCP’s Pimpri-Chinchwad unit president, took a back seat in politics following the party split. Later, he aligned himself with the Ajit Pawar-led faction. His family has a longstanding political legacy, with his wife Sunita Waghere having been elected twice as a corporator and chairing the PCMC standing committee. Additionally, his father, Bhiku-Patil Waghere, served as the mayor of Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Everyone’s Eyeing the Maval Lok Sabha Seat
The Maval Lok Sabha constituency has become the focal point of a heated contest among the Mahayuti partners. Shrirang Barne, the sitting Shiv Sena MP, now aligned with the Eknath Shinde camp, is confident about securing the ticket. However, leaders from the BJP and NCP’s Ajit Pawar faction have expressed their aspirations for the same seat.
Sunil Shelke, Maval MLA, highlighted the active pursuit of the Maval seat by the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP. He emphasized the NCP’s stronger numerical position in Maval compared to Shiv Sena.
The BJP, too, is eager to secure the Maval seat, with posters supporting former MLA Bala Bhegade as a potential MP emerging recently. Bhegade expressed his willingness to contest if given the opportunity by the party and the alliance.
