Mumbai streets deserted on the first day of weekend lockdown imposed across Maharashtra to curb the rising Covid-19 cases. (Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)
The BJP on Wednesday said it was never against the lockdown in Maharashtra or Pune but was concerned about poor citizens, who are very dependent on their daily work.
“BJP never opposed the lockdown but wanted the state government to first address the concerns of health and meals of the common people. I had told the chief minister during all party meetings that there should be balance between lockdown and ensuring daily meals for the poor,” said state BJP chief Chandrakant Patil.
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The assistance declared by the state government for the poor while imposing restrictions is insufficient, he said, adding that there is a need to ensure at least one month of essential supplies to the poor if lockdown has to be imposed.
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“We are not fools to oppose the lockdown. We can understand that it is a concern…But why do citizens leave their home? Few do leave without reason while some have to leave to earn their daily meal,” Patil said.
Amid the Covid-19 surge, the BJP, by city unit chief Jagdish Mulik and MP Girish Bapat, had protested against the restrictions imposed in the city. The BJP had supported the protests by traders over the shutting down of shops and had threatened to launch an agitation if a lockdown was declared. The state BJP chief had said that if the state government declares a lockdown under the Pandemic Act, then everyone has to abide by it.
Patil said the situation in the state was more serious than a war and the chief minister should make use of resourceful persons to handle it.
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“There are influential persons like NCP chief Sharad Pawar, union minister Nitin Gadkari, MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Jayant Patil of PWP who can help manage resources for handling the pandemic situation in the state. The chief minister should be constantly in touch with such people to tackle the situation,” he said.
He added that the city BJP has launched a dashboard to provide all information on Covid-19 and its management in the city, which will also encourage residents to take greater care and contribute to anti-Covid efforts.
Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability.
Professional Background
Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens.
Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College.
Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts.
Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development.
Recent Notable Articles (December 2025)
His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom:
1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026)
"Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections.
"Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections.
"Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls.
2. Infrastructure & Urban Development
"Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026.
"Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi.
"Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors.
3. Civic Governance & Environment
"Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time.
"Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections.
Signature Style
Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact.
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