NCP hints Pimpri MLA Anna Bansode might be denied ticket

Ajit Pawar's NCP has received applications from leaders such as Jitendra Nanaware, BJP leader Seema Sawale, RPI leader Chandrakanta Sonkamble and MP Gautam Chabuskar of the Shiv Sena.

Pimpri MLA Anna Bansode. (Photo: Facebook/ Aamdar Anna Bansode)

THE Pimpri-Chinchwad unit of Nationalist Congress Party on Tuesday hinted that sitting MLA Anna Bansode might be denied ticket by the party from Pimpri reserved constituency as some leaders are upset with his style of functioning and also that he has not been keeping well.

”The party is looking for a candidate who will ensure a victory…We have several aspirants even from Maha Vikas Aghadi who are trying to get our nomination,” Yogesh Behl, the newly-elected president of NCP Pimpri-Chinchwad unit said at a press conference.

Behl said some leaders have complained to party national president Ajit Pawar that Bansode should be replaced. ”In last five years, Bansode has been working in the constituency. However, he has not been able to give his cent per cent due to health reasons,” he said.

Behl said the party has received applications from leaders like Jitendra Nanaware, BJP leader Seema Sawale, RPI leader Chandrakanta Sonkamble and even from Gautam Chabuskar. ”The party has not decided who should be given the ticket. Bansode might be continued. But at the same time, the party is giving a deep thought to whether to bring a new face. The party leaders are weighing the options based on the feedback they are getting,” he said.

Behl said Seema Sawale is a former BJP corporator but has been for months trying to get NCP nomination from Pimpri. ”She has been in touch with the voters and has been working in the constituency,” he said.

Behl said Jiteendra Nanaware is young and his known for taking up public cause. ”He has the backing of Shiv Sena MP Shrirang Barne. He is also close to me..,” Behl said.

Behl said Chandrakanta Sonkamble is from RPI (A). ”She is ready to join our party. Even Ramdas Athavale has contacted our party chief. He however is backing her claim as RPI candidate,” he said.

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Bansode, who has been twice elected twice from Pimpri reserved seat, has been under fire from citizens due to his unavailability and inaccessibility. He is close to Ajit Pawar. When Ajit Pawar had staged rebellion in 2019, Bansode was the only MLA who remained with him till the end. The rebellion fizzled out but Bansode struck close rapport with Ajit Pawar.

According to sources in the NCP, Ajit Pawar would not like to replace Bansode who stood by him during difficult time. ”However, now things have changed. Ajit Pawar wants a leader who will win him a seat. Every seat matters in this election. As a result, the party is thinking of replacing him,” he said.

Manoj Dattatrye More

Manoj Dattatrye More is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, having been with the publication since 1992. Based in Pune, he is a veteran journalist with a 33-year career that spans editorial desk work, investigative reporting, and political analysis. Professional Legacy Experience: He spent his first 16 years on the editorial desk before moving into active field reporting. He has written over 20,000 stories, including more than 10,000 bylined articles. Impact Journalism: He is widely respected for "campaign-style" reporting that leads to tangible social change. Road Safety: His decade-long campaign regarding the dangerous state of the Pune-Mumbai highway in Khadki resulted in a ₹23 crore reconstruction project in 2006, which dramatically reduced fatalities. Environmental Protection: His reports against tree cutting on the Pune-Mumbai and Pune-Nashik highways saved approximately 2,000 trees. Anti-Corruption: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he exposed a scam where doctors were being asked to pay bribes for government jobs, resulting in them being hired without payment. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Manoj More's recent work focuses heavily on the shifting political landscape of Maharashtra and civic governance in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area: 1. Political Shifts & Alliances "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): A major report on the local self-government election results, detailing the NCP’s stronghold in Baramati, Indapur, and Lonavala. "BJP ropes in 13 ex-corporators, deals major blow to NCP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on a significant political defection in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the BJP gears up for civic polls. "Congress opts for solo BMC run as alliance talks with Sena (UBT) collapse" (Dec 17, 2025): Covering the breakdown of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) talks for the Mumbai civic elections. "NCP(SP)'s Rahul Kalate, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjog Waghere set to join BJP" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing high-profile party-hopping ahead of the municipal elections. 2. Civic & Administrative Accountability "PCMC draws ire for issuing tenders worth Rs 250 crore just before poll code" (Dec 17, 2025): An investigative piece on the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s last-minute spending spree before election restrictions. "93 killed in 76 accidents in five years: Bypass service roads in Pune remain undeveloped for 18 yrs" (Nov 16, 2025): A critical look at the long-delayed infrastructure projects contributing to fatalities on Pune’s bypass roads. 3. Social & Labor Issues "As state says TCS has laid off 376 employees: FITE flags figures, say nearly 2,500 were forced to quit" (Dec 11, 2025): Investigating conflicting reports regarding IT sector layoffs in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra govt move to 'downgrade' Aadhaar cards" (Nov 30, 2025): Reporting on the state’s decision to require additional documents alongside Aadhaar to combat identity misuse. Signature Beat Manoj More is the definitive voice on Pimpri-Chinchwad, an industrial hub he has covered for three decades. His reporting is characterized by its aggressive stance against local "gondaism" (thuggery) and a relentless focus on civic infrastructure—choked drains, garbage management, and public transport. X (Twitter): @manojmore91982 ... Read More

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