Pune: A padyatra was organised from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Kothrud to the Chhtrapati Sambhaji Maharaj statue in Deccan Gymkhana. It was a part of the rally staged to file the nomination of the Maha Yuti’s Lok Sabha candidate, Murlidhar Mohol.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, State Higher and Technical Minister Chandrakant Patil, State Industry Minister Uday Samant, State Legislative Council Vice-Chairperson Neelam Gorhe, MP Medha Kulkarni, MLA Bhimrao Tapkir and many BJP office-bearers and workers were present.
The padyatra attended by a large number of BJP workers passed through the heart of the city causing traffic issues. Many criminal elements were also seen in the padyatra. This gave ammunition to rival candidate Ravindra Dhangekar, who criticised Mohol.
Replying to Dhangekar’s criticism, Sandeep Khardekar said, “Over 50,000 citizens participated in the rally staged to file the nomination of Mohol. Dhangekar saw the massive support to Mohol, which indicated the victory for Mohol. Frightened, Dhangekar is levelling allegations. No goon or criminal was present in the rally. If anyone points out such people, we will launch an inquiry.”