Pune: Former corporator and NCP (SP) leader Rahul Kalate on Tuesday joined the BJP in Mumbai in the presence of state party president Ravindra Chavan, despite strong opposition from local aspirants and office-bearers to his induction. Considered an influential leader in Pimpri Chinchwad, his induction is expected to impact the outcome in several wards in Wakad and adjoining areas, where he has a strong base. However, Kalate had unsuccessfully contested the state assembly election last year against Chinchwad MLA Shankar Jagtap last year, as well as the 2023 bypoll against Jagtap’s sister-in-law Ashwini Jagtap. Last week, BJP aspirants and office-bearers held a press conference opposing Kalate’s likely induction, alleging frequent party-hopping in recent years and terming it unfair to sideline loyal workers. Ignoring his naysayers, Kalate said, “I have been working in Pimpri Chinchwad for many years and the area is witnessing rapid development. To continue these works, there was a need for strong support from leaders like Devendra Fadnavis and (Ravindra) Chavan. That is why I decided to join the BJP.” But addressing the discontent within his new party, Kalate said it was common for some aspirants to be upset. Kalate added that he and party leaders would work to address these concerns. MLA Jagtap supported the decision and said BJP’s strength in Pimpri Chinchwad increased with Kalate’s induction. “Our state president has given a call to win 100 seats in upcoming PCMC elections. With Kalate joining us, we can aim for even 125 seats,” he said. More BJP joinees Meanwhile, two more former corporators from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP joined the BJP in Pimpri Chinchwad on Tuesday, namely Prasad Shetty and Ulhas Shetty. The development comes just two days after Ajit Pawar said that the understanding within the Mahayuti alliance to avoid poaching each other’s candidates and office-bearers was not being followed. In another boost to BJP, former Lok Sabha MP Gajanan Babar’s family members from the Shiv Sena (UBT) also joined the party, including former corporators Prakash Babar and Sharda Babar.
