High drama unfolded within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Pune regarding the selection of candidates for the upcoming Pune Local Authorities Constituency Legislative Council election. Despite Vikram Kakade’s name being finalized, a crisis erupted as faction leaders opposed the decision. Following a meeting attended by key members, Kakade’s candidature was officially confirmed after he and his father joined the NCP.
Expressing resentment over being denied the ticket, former MLA Vilas Lande criticized the party’s decision, alleging favoritism based on financial strength. Lande, disappointed on his birthday, questioned the leadership’s choice, emphasizing the importance of loyalty. The situation escalated as senior party members openly criticized the decision, leading to internal rifts and chaos at the party office.
The swift induction of Vikram Kakade, reportedly a close confidant of Parth Pawar, highlighted the latter’s influence in local decision-making. The internal discord became evident as rebel hopeful Sunil Tingre, a frontrunner for the seat, filed his nomination papers in protest. The party’s internal friction, including rebellion and public breakdowns, poses a challenge for the ruling alliance, potentially leading to cross-voting and electoral division.
