For the first time in over 15 years, Pimpri-Chinchwad will head into the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections without a dominant independent contender. Historically, this region has been a stronghold for independent candidates who have captivated voters through local connections, social work, and political acumen.
This year, no independent candidate has made the same impact as in previous elections. In Chinchwad, NCP (Ajit Pawar) leaders asked Nana Kate, a potential independent candidate with strong local support, to withdraw his nomination. Similarly, Ravi Landge, a former corporator who had been planning to run as an independent in Bhosari, has agreed to step back after joining the Shiv Sena (UBT). This marks a significant shift, as both major alliances in Maharashtra—Mahayuti (BJP, Shiv Sena under Eknath Shinde, and NCP under Ajit Pawar) and Maha Vikas Aghadi (Congress, NCP (SP), Shiv Sena under Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)—have been successful in managing dissent and appeasing rebel candidates.
The tradition of independent victories dates back to 2009, when Laxman Jagtap, then a BJP MLA, triumphed from Chinchwad as an independent, defeating Shiv Sena’s Shrirang Barne. The momentum continued in 2014 when Mahesh Landge emerged victorious in Bhosari, and in 2019, both Rahul Kalate (Chinchwad) and Vilas Lande (Bhosari) came close to victory as independents. Despite their strong showings, none have been able to secure a decisive victory, reflecting the growing influence of party-backed candidates.
This year, the absence of a dominant independent candidate reflects changing political dynamics in the region. In addition to candidates from the two alliances, senior corporator Bhausaheb Bhoir will contest as an independent from Chinchwad, though political analysts doubt his chances of success.
