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Journalism of Courage
In 2019, the sudden entry of senior BJP leader Chandrakant Patil as a contestant from Kothrud Assembly constituency had caused a lot of dissent within the local BJP. Five years later, the issue has resurfaced as it is likely to scuttle the hopes of a few who want to make it to the cabinet.
The BJP has six legislators elected from the city which include Chandrakant Patil from Kothrud, Madhuri Misal from Parvati, Bhimrao Tapkir from Khadakwasla, Sunil Kamble from Pune Cantonment, Siddhartha Shirole from Shivajinagar and Hemant Rasane from Kasba Peth.
Patil is a senior BJP leader and was minister in the previous two BJP-led governments in the state. Misal and Tapkir got elected for fourth time consecutively while Kamble got elected from the seat reserved for SC. His brother was elected from the same seat in 2014 and was included in the ministry as representative of reserved category.
“There are few aspirants from the city for the ministry as this might be their last term as legislator. However, their chances are bleak considering Patil is the senior-most leader and certain to be in the ministry,” said a BJP leader.
He said it was obvious that those aspiring will be disappointed for not being able to make it to the ministry. “The entry of Patil in legislative Assembly will not only have repercussions in Kothrud but will also be in the city,” the BJP leader said. The only way the dissent would reduce is to make other city legislators as minister.
Patil said the decision on whom to be made a minister will be taken by party leadership and in BJP the orders of seniors are followed. “I don’t know who will be made minister, what ministry will be given or whether the old faces will be continued or not,” he said. He was asked to contest from Kothrud, so he contested. Earlier, he was asked to be state unit chief, which also he handled.
