BJP and Allies Project Strong Performance in Western Maharashtra Civic Polls
India, Jan. 12 -- Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Maharashtra minister Chandrakant Patil shares his city-wise assessment of the upcoming civic polls, projecting strong performances for the Mahayuti across key urban centres in Western Maharashtra. In an interview with Yogesh Joshi, he provides insights into the expected outcomes in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Kolhapur, and other civic bodies. Edited excerpts follow.
Q: What is your overall assessment of the civic polls?
A: I am overseeing five municipal corporations: Kolhapur, Sangli, Ichalkaranji, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Our party and allies are confident of retaining control in all these civic bodies.
Q: Let's start with Pune.
A: In Pune, out of 165 seats, our assessment is that 115 seats are already through. Our state BJP president, Ravindra Chavan, recently conducted an intensive review. We have not held any public meetings to maintain a low profile, but our ground-level work has been robust.
Q: What about Pimpri-Chinchwad?
A: Pimpri-Chinchwad is another stronghold for us. We expect to perform exceptionally well here. The party has a strong base, and our candidates have been actively engaging with the community. We are confident of winning a significant majority of the seats.
Q: How do you see the situation in Kolhapur?
A: Kolhapur is a historic city with a strong BJP presence. Our party has been working tirelessly to address the concerns of the local population. We have a solid team of candidates, and our campaign has been focused on delivering better governance and infrastructure. We are optimistic about retaining our control in Kolhapur.
Q: Can you share your thoughts on Sangli and Ichalkaranji?
A: Both Sangli and Ichalkaranji are important industrial hubs. We have a strong organizational structure in these cities, and our candidates have been working closely with the community. Our focus has been on development and improving the quality of life. We are confident of retaining control in both these municipal corporations.
Q: What are the key issues that the BJP is addressing in these elections?
A: The key issues include better infrastructure, improved public services, and effective governance. We are emphasizing the need for clean and efficient administration, better waste management, and enhanced public transport. Our campaign is centered around these themes, and we believe that the voters will recognize our efforts.
Q: How are you countering the opposition's strategies?
A: We are staying focused on our strengths and the development work we have accomplished. We are also addressing the concerns of the voters through regular interactions and feedback mechanisms. Our ground game is strong, and we are ensuring that our message reaches every household. We are confident that our track record and commitment to the people will resonate with the voters.
In conclusion, the BJP and its allies are well-prepared for the upcoming civic polls in Western Maharashtra. We are confident of retaining control in all the key municipal corporations and continuing our work towards the betterment of these cities.
