Pune: BJP‘s Supriya Chandgude created history by winning unopposed from Ward No 10 of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, becoming the first woman candidate to achieve the feat, so far, in PCMC. Chandgude said her clear focus is on women’s issues.She further said she had never expected to be elected unopposed and described the result as a reflection of people’s confidence in her work. She credited the victory to party workers and Pimpri Chinchwad’s BJP politicians — including Shankar Jagtap, Amit Gorkhe and Mahesh Landge — who stood by her through the campaign.However, Chandgude said, the real credit belonged to voters, while calling the result prestigious for the city and the state. She said she had lost the previous municipal elections by a narrow margin, but continued to stay active in the ward. Regular interaction with residents, networking and resolving civic issues helped build trust over the years, she added.The politician said that among her priorities, women were the focal point. She stressed the need for better hygiene and highlighted the lack of proper public toilets for women in the ward and related facilities. The other issues on her agenda include creation of employment opportunities for women and improving safety. Additionally, routine civic issues such as water supply, lighting and basic infrastructure would continue to be addressed.BJP’s MLA from Chinchwad, Jagtap said Chandgude’s unopposed win was a stamp of approval on the work done in the ward between 2017 and 2022. It marked a new beginning for development in Pimpri Chinchwad.BJP MLC Gorkhe said the opposition withdrew their nominations, fearing her strong candidature. This highlighted her consistent work on the ground.The State Election Commission, however, has said it would conduct an inquiry into cases where candidates have been elected unopposed across the state. It has raised questions whether there would be any impact on Pimpri’s Ravi Landge and Supriya Chandgude.
