Pune: Kasba Peth MLA Ravindra Dhangekar has been named as the candidate by the Congress for the Pune Lok Sabha election. Dhangekar expressed his feelings after the announcement.
He said, “Those who were elected in the past two Lok Sabha elections cheated the Puneites. They did not solve the issues faced by the city. Now, citizens cannot be taken for a ride. They will elect someone who fights for them, someone like me who is a common worker. My victory will be the victory of all Puneites.”
Following the announcement of his name as the Congress candidate, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) workers celebrated at many places across the city on Thursday night and Friday morning. They distributed sweets and burnt firecrackers and also beat the Dhol-Tasha in honour of a worker from a common family being nominated as the candidate for the Lok Sabha poll.
Dhangekar said, “I thank the Congress party and all senior office-bearers for giving the party ticket to a common worker like me. Puneites have showered their blessings on me in the earlier elections. I am confident that they will again bless me to represent them in the Lok Sabha.
“BJP leaders have started roaming around the city after their candidate was announced. However, I have been walking along the city streets for the past 35 years listening to the woes of common citizens. I have been trying to provide succor to them. I have been rushing to places where they needed help. My work will speak for me in this election. That is why my party has entrusted me with this responsibility. My victory is certain. I belong to the Puneites. I am a worker who fights for them.”
Citizens are fed up with the BJP
Dhangekar said, “Today, citizens are facing issues such as chaotic traffic, pollution, drug menace and rising crime… rising inflation and unemployment are growing day-by-day. People are fed up with the BJP now, which has done nothing for them. BJP representatives did not raise their voice to solve Puneites problems in the past 10 years. People have been cheated by the BJP in the state and at the Centre. We are sure that they will elect the Congress with a thumping majority and defeat the BJP.”
No factionalism in Congress
Dhangekar said, “There is no factionalism in the Congress party. Nobody is disappointed. We are all fighters. We will close ranks and win the election. Pune’s development is important for us.”