Ravindra Dhangekar, the Congress party’s contender for Pune in the Lok Sabha, has launched scathing criticism against the current state of development in the city, claiming a stagnation over the past decade. Addressing a fervent crowd gathered during a padayatra in Pune’s Kasba constituency, Dhangekar questioned the efficacy of the incumbent government, particularly highlighting the purported failure to secure substantial development funds despite a significant political presence.
Dhangekar’s assertions come in the wake of a walking tour, or padayatra, through the Kasba area, which drew considerable participation from local activists and residents. Reflecting on Pune’s developmental trajectory, he juxtaposed the periods of Congress and BJP rule, citing stark differences in progress.
During the years when Congress and its allies held sway, spanning from 1992 to 2017 with intermittent breaks, Pune witnessed remarkable strides forward. Notably, Dhangekar referenced an infusion of ₹2500 crores from the central government’s Jawaharlal Nehru Yojana, which significantly contributed to the city’s advancement.
However, in the subsequent years under BJP governance, Dhangekar contends that Pune has languished, beset by myriad challenges ranging from congested thoroughfares to inadequate water supply, environmental degradation, and soaring unemployment rates. He underscored the imperative for a change in leadership, urging citizens to cast their votes in favor of the Congress party and its allies in the impending elections, scheduled for May 13. Dhangekar’s padayatra, commencing at the Mahatma Phule Memorial and culminating at Khadakmal Ali, served as a platform for direct engagement with constituents. Noteworthy was the diverse participation, with leaders and activists from Congress, NCP (SP), Shiv Sena (UBT), and Aam Aadmi Party rallying alongside.
