BJP win boosts confidence among cadre ahead of civic polls in Pune
PUNE The massive win for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in assembly polls at four states including Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring Goa has bolstered confidence among party cadre in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and other parts of the state where civic polls are lined up
PUNE The massive win for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in assembly polls at four states including Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring Goa has bolstered confidence among party cadre in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and other parts of the state where civic polls are lined up. This was also reflected during the celebrations by BJP workers at party headquarters in Pune, where they distributed sweets and exhibited confidence to win the upcoming civic polls.

The civic elections were to be held in April, however, the legislative assembly and legislative council unanimously passed two bills on Monday, which would lay the grounds for the postponement of local body elections in Maharashtra till Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation is restored. The civic polls are now likely to take place not before June.
In Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, BJP faces strong challenge from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The NCP, according to its leaders, were trying to engineer rebellion in the BJP by poaching some of the candidates. However, the result of four states – Uttar Pradesh , Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur – where the party recorded a massive win, is likely to send strong message among BJP Corporators and other aspirants as well.
BJP city unit president Jagdish Mulik said, “It is great victory for BJP and after many years, the party has won power in Uttar Pradesh in two consecutive elections. We celebrated the victory and all the party workers joined us.”
While on one hand there was enthusiasm among BJP workers, the morale of NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena is likely to be adversely affected with the defeat. Shiv Sena and NCP, which jointly contested Goa polls suffered a humiliating defeat with deposits of their candidates were lost at many seats.
Mayor Murlidhar Mohol said, “Party has appointed Devendra Fadnavis in charge of the Goa state and he has shown his leadership skills and ensured not just victory but a majority for the party in Goa.”
According to a senior party leader, some leaders who were contemplating to switch loyalties will change their decision now after the results of assembly polls.
A senior BJP leader requesting anonymity said, “Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Pune after Uttar Pradesh campaign was concluded. It helped us to gear up the cadre and pass on the positive message among the voters. Now assembly elections results will help to retain power in municipal corporations.”
During his visit, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Metro rail and other key projects. These projects, party leaders feel, will also help them garner votes.

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