As the countdown to the upcoming election intensifies, candidates are ramping up their campaigns, vying for voter attention in a race that has already proven to be fiercely competitive. With polling dates just around the corner, political rallies, debates, and press meets are flooding the airwaves, reflecting the high stakes and deep divisions that characterize this pivotal moment in the electoral landscape. Voters are bracing for a whirlwind of activity as candidates seek to solidify their support and sway undecided constituents in the final stretch.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Candidate Ganesh Bhokre, who is contesting from the Kasba assembly constituency, slammed current MLA Ravindra Dhangekar and BJP candidate Hemant Rasne in a press conference.

Ganesh Bhokre, while talking to the press, stated, “Maharashtra Navnirman Sena introduced Ravindra Dhangekar. Raj Saheb awarded him various senior posts at the party. However, he knocked on the doors of the BJP and Congress by cheating the MNS. Dhangekar, who was elected with the help of MNS Sainiks in the byelections, is now criticizing MNS as a sign of ungratefulness. BJP candidate Hemant Rasne has forgotten that Raj Saheb extended unconditional support in the Lok Sabha elections.” Ganesh Bhokare believed that such ungrateful people will be settled at home this time.

Ganesh Bhokare presented his position in a press conference in the backdrop of the assembly elections. MNS state general secretary Adv. Ganesh Satpute, city organizer Nilesh Hande, Ravi Sahane and others were present.

Bhokre added by saying, “I do not pay attention to the threats given by Hemant Rasane. If this incident repeats in the future we will give a befitting reply to whoever tries to threaten us.”

Ganesh Bhokare said, “This time there is a latent wave of MNS in the state, and I am confident that 40 MLAs will be elected in this election. Our protest against the toll booths resulted in the closing of 65 toll booths in the state. MNS is an independent party. Raj Thackeray Saheb constantly presents the party’s position. There is huge resentment among voters against MLA Ravindra Dhangekar in Kasba, and there is opposition to his candidature even within his party.”

“For the last 30 years, BJP ruled the Kasba and now Congress. However, the daily problems of the people have not been solved. Therefore, the people, who are fed up with the selfish politics of both these parties, are standing firmly behind me,” added Bhokre.

Bhokre continued by saying, “BJP candidate Hemant Rasne was a corporator for many years. But he did nothing to develop Ward number 15. He was the standing committee chairman for four times in the PMC. He says that he gave a development fund of 500 crores to the constituency. But it is nowhere to be seen. The money that belonged to the PMC’s standing committee was used for the Goa elections, which is a serious matter. I will give the evidence soon. The BJP candidate’s Hindutva is unfounded. Therefore, the public should be wary of such cunning people.”

Speaking about the vision for the development of the Kasba constituency, Ganesh Bhokare said, “There are no playgrounds for children here. We will develop playgrounds and the talims where the wrestlers train after I win the elections. The redevelopment of the old wadas is a major issue in Kasba. Why can’t high-rise towers be built in Pune on the lines of Mumbai? The natives of Kasba Peth are forced to relocate to the outskirts of Pune.”

Adding to the press conference, state general secretary Adv. Ganesh Satpute said, “MNS is contesting four seats in Pune and 136 in the state. This is not a small number. The workers are working vigorously. Therefore, I believe that MNS candidates will be elected. Ravindra Dhangekar has become an MLA by mistake in the by-election. MNS will perform and come out with flying colours in this election.”