BJP Faces Internal Strife in Pune as Intra-Party Factional Rivalry Intensifies Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections

Pune: In a bid to secure victory for the third consecutive time in the Pune Lok Sabha constituency, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is grappling with internal discord that threatens to impact its electoral prospects. The party, which has historically dominated the constituency under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is now facing challenges due to the independent initiatives of several interested candidates.

One noteworthy development is the emergence of a faction led by a former office-bearer, Sunil Deodhar, who, having been freed from central-level responsibilities, has activated the second-tier batch of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteers to back his candidacy. The move has raised concerns within the BJP, with reports suggesting that the concerned person has received a rap on the knuckles even from senior party officials.

Following the demise of MP Girish Bapat last year, aspirants for the Pune Lok Sabha parliamentary seat have multiplied. Notable contenders include former mayor Muralidhar Mohol, former city president Jagdish Mulik, and MLA Madhuri Misal. Sunil Deodhar, a former BJP secretary who recently returned to Pune from national politics, has also thrown his hat into the ring, actively engaging in meetings and other political activities.

Muralidhar Mohol, with his extensive contacts and grassroots-level engagement, brings a wealth of experience, having served as the state general secretary after his tenure as mayor. Jagdish Mulik, a former MLA, enjoys support from activists who were with him during his stint as city president, bolstering his claim through grand initiatives at the city level.

Sunil Deodhar, known for his leadership roles within the RSS and later BJP, has demonstrated organisational prowess in various states. Over the past few months, he has been strategically mobilising volunteers from the second tier of the RSS and assembling a dedicated team from different locations.

While all three contenders showcase their strengths, there appears to be a distinct separation in their campaign strategies, with minimal attendance at each other’s events. The looming question of who will fill the void left by Girish Bapat has fuelled speculation about the party considering Sunil Deodhar, a Brahmin candidate, for the Pune Lok Sabha seat.

However, this move has sparked discontent among various factions, particularly amid the ongoing Maratha reservation dispute in the state. Complaints lodged by concerned party officials prompted Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil to issue stern warnings to the aspirant in question.

Despite these warnings, there are growing concerns within the BJP about the aspirant’s continued disregard for party instructions. Party leaders and workers fear that such defiance may adversely affect the party’s performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, emphasising the urgent need for internal cohesion and strategic alignment to ensure electoral success.