Chandrakant Patil terms opposition to his candidature as “storm in a teacup” at Pune rally

Pune MP Girish Bapat will be in-charge of Chandrakant Patil’s campaign in Kothrud

A day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced Chandrakant Patil’s candidature from Kothrud in Pune, disappointing many including sitting member of legislative assembly (MLA) Medha Kulkarni, the party put up a united face during the launch of Patil’s campaign on Wednesday.

(From left) Medha Kulkarni, Girish Bapat, Chandrakant Patil and Sanjay Kakade during the BJP campaign launch at Kothrud on Wednesday. Voting for Assembly polls will be held on October 21 in the city. (Rahul Raut/HT PHOTO)

During the speech at the campaign launch, which was attended by all important party leaders, including Kulkarni and another aspirant Murlidhar Mohol, Patil said that the massiveg controversy presented in the media has turned out to be a “storm in a teacup.”

Patil said that there were attempts by the opposition to create fissures among the electorate on caste lines. “After this programme, where people have come in large number, it has become pretty clear that we are all united.”

“There were a few reactions after my candidature was declared from Kothrud. However, as it turns out, it was just a storm in a teacup,” said BJP state unit chief. Patil also praised Kulkarni for taking efforts to groom the constituency.

Earlier while speaking at the same programme, Kulkarni said that she won’t stop working for the party even if the organisation did not field her.

“I am a committed party worker. So even if I am back-stabbed, I won’t stop working for the party,” said Kulkarni, who was the MLA of Kothrud from 20014 to 2019 after she completed her three terms as a corporator from the same area. Kulkarni said that she will speak to those who are unhappy with Patil’s candidature and convince them to work for the party candidate.

Patil said that since he has the responsibility to campaign for the party nominees across the state, city MP Girish Bapat has been given charge of his campaign.

“Earlier too, Bapat has taken charge of my campaign. Even during this election, he will do the same,” said Patil.

Earlier on Tuesday, BJP released its first list naming Chandrakant Patil from Kothrud in Pune, a move which raised eyebrows as the seat was being represented by Kulkarni who was hoping for another term.