Pune BJP workers upbeat after Assembly poll victory in 3 states, get much-needed boost after Kasba bypoll debacle

In 2019, the BJP won the Pune Lok Sabha seat and six of the eight assembly segments. However, it lost the Kasba seat to the Congress in the bypoll.

New Delhi: BJP workers celebrate the party's lead in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh during counting of votes for the Assembly elections, at the party headquarters, in New Delhi, on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. (PTI Photo)

The Pune BJP unit received the much-needed confidence boost after the saffron party comprehensively won the Assembly polls in three states Sunday. The bypoll loss in Kasba earlier this year had cast a shadow of doubt on the party’s poll preparedness ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections next year.

The BJP had roped in Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other state ministers during the bypoll campaign but could not win the seat which it held for decades. The bypoll was necessitated after the demise of sitting BJP legislator Mukta Tilak.

Soon after, the party lost another senior leader and sitting MP Girish Bapat. However, the bypoll for the Lok Sabha seat has not been conducted, with the Opposition alleging that the BJP was avoiding the election fearing another electoral loss.

“The victory of the BJP in the three states – Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh – has proved once again that no other political party can ensure development. The voters have continued to trust the party and the same will continue in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections,” said Dheeraj Ghate, who was appointed city BJP unit chief a few months ago.

“We are now geared up for the elections and have started work without wasting any more time. The organisational appointments at the booth level have been made and responsibilities are being entrusted for the forthcoming elections,” he added.

In 2019, the BJP won the Pune Lok Sabha seat and six of the eight assembly segments. However, it lost the Kasba seat to the Congress in the bypoll.

Pune Congress leader Mohan Joshi, who was party in-charge of seven Assembly segments in Telangana, said Assembly election results will not impact the Lok Sabha poll outcome. “During my stint in Telangana, I have realised that the citizens are against the BJP-led Union government. So, the Lok Sabha election results will be against the ruling saffron party,” he said.

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Joshi, an aspirant for the Congress ticket to the Pune Lok Sabha seat, said the BJP deliberately avoided the Pune bypoll after the death of Bapat. “The pre-poll survey had indicated that the result of the Pune Lok Sabha bypoll would not have gone in favour of the BJP, so they ensured there was no election even though it was necessary to hold the election within six months of the seat getting vacated,” he added.

Ajay Jadhav

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. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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