Congress Pune LS Candidate Counters Trolls, Highlights Public Mandate as Credential
In response to online trolls taunting him as an “8th standard pass,” Congress Pune Lok Sabha candidate Ravindra Dhangekar has asserted that the electorate has conferred upon him a “PhD” in politics by electing him as their legislator in the recent assembly bypolls.
Addressing Trolls and Defending Credentials
Social media users aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) circulated an old affidavit of Dhangekar, questioning his educational qualification and ridiculing him as an “Uneducated MLA who is Std VIII Pass in Oxford of the East.” However, Dhangekar refuted these attacks, emphasizing the significance of his electoral mandate as a testament to his political acumen.
Public Mandate as Ultimate Credential
Asserting the value of his political experience and understanding of grassroots issues, Dhangekar likened his acceptance by the electorate to a “PhD” in gauging the pulse of the people. He criticized his detractors for resorting to personal attacks instead of addressing substantive issues affecting the community, such as unemployment among the youth.
Political Context and Opposition Responses
Dhangekar’s electoral victory in the Kasba assembly seat on a Congress ticket positions him as a formidable opponent to BJP’s Muralidhar Mohol, the former mayor of Pune, in the Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, NCP’s Rohit Pawar condemned the BJP’s IT cell for disparaging remarks about Dhangekar’s education, highlighting historical examples of successful leaders without formal education credentials.
Conclusion: Political Resilience Amidst Personal Attacks
Ravindra Dhangekar’s response to online taunts underscores the resilience of political leaders in the face of personal attacks. As electoral campaigns intensify, the focus remains on substantive issues and the mandate granted by the citizens, reflecting the essence of democratic participation.
