Pune: Political Opponents of Shirur Share Stage on Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, Amol Kolhe Touches Feet of Aadhalrao (Video)
Pune: On the occasion of the commemoration of Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, two formidable opponents from the Shirur Lok Sabha constituency, Dr. Amol Kolhe and Shivajirao Aadhalrao Patil, joined forces atop the historic Shivneri fort, the birthplace of the iconic Maratha warrior king. The candid moment captured widespread attention as Dr. Kolhe, the incumbent MP of Shirur, humbly greeted his adversary, Aadhalrao Patil, touching his feet in a symbolic gesture of respect. The ensuing video of their unexpected encounter quickly went viral across social media platforms, setting the stage for an intriguing electoral showdown.
While the official announcement regarding their candidacies is yet to be made, indications suggest that Shivajirao Aadhalrao Patil is poised to contest the upcoming election on the NCP ticket, following his recent induction into the party. The prospect of a faceoff between Patil and Dr. Kolhe, who clinched victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, has reignited political fervour in the region, with both camps gearing up for a fierce electoral battle.
In the previous Lok Sabha polls, Dr. Amol Kolhe, representing the NCP, stunned political experts by unseating Aadhalrao Patil, a three-time MP, with a resounding victory margin of 58 thousand votes. However, as the electoral landscape evolves over the past five years, both contenders are once again prepared to vie for supremacy in Shirur. Accusations and counter-accusations have become commonplace, reflecting the heightened intensity of the electoral contest.
Reflecting on their unexpected rendezvous at Shivneri Fort, Dr. Kolhe emphasised the importance of upholding traditional values of respect, irrespective of political differences. He underscored the significance of seeking blessings from elders, regardless of their political affiliations, amidst an era marked by divisive politics. “In the face of rising political animosity, it becomes imperative to honour our traditions,” remarked Dr. Kolhe, invoking the spirit of Shivaji Maharaj to guide his quest for people-centric governance.
Echoing similar sentiments, Shivajirao Aadhalrao Patil underscored the Hindu tradition of seeking blessings from elders, citing Dr. Kolhe’s gesture as a manifestation of mutual respect. “Our meeting today reaffirms our commitment to our shared values and traditions,” asserted Patil as he embarked on his election campaign from Shivneri Fort, aligning his focus with the welfare of farmers and the common populace.
Amidst the fervour of political manoeuvring, Patil reiterated his commitment to representing the people’s interests with integrity and dedication. “I pledge to honour the trust bestowed upon me by the electorate,” affirmed Patil, expressing confidence in delivering justice to the constituents’ mandate in the forthcoming elections.