Power Struggle in BJP : “Kalbhor’s Nominated Post Bid Triggers Backlash”

Pimpri : Internal conflict within the Bharatiya Janata Party in Pimpri-Chinchwad appears to be intensifying as opposition emerges from within the party against the possible nomination of party worker Sachin Kalbhor for the post of “nominated corporator” in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Political observers believe that Kalbhor’s past opposition to MLA Mahesh Landge may now be turning against him.
  The BJP is set to receive seven nominated corporator seats in the municipal corporation based on party strength and the selection process for these seats has reportedly triggered internal rivalry within the party.

Opposition Within Party
  Sources indicate that Sachin Kalbhor is facing opposition from within the party itself. His repeated public positions against MLA Landge on various civic and political issues are believed to be a major reason behind the resistance to his nomination.
  Kalbhor had earlier raised issues such as traffic congestion at Nigdi Chowk, encroachments and other public interest matters, often taking a stand that was seen as opposing the MLA. His political stance during the 2014 assembly election, where he reportedly campaigned for the official BJP candidate Eknath Pawar instead of independent candidate Landge, is also said to be one of the reasons behind the ongoing political rivalry.

Dispute Began During Assembly Election
  The conflict between the two leaders reportedly dates back to the Bhosari Assembly election period, when Sachin Kalbhor had opposed the party ticket being given to Landge and had communicated his objections to senior party leaders at the state level.
  Kalbhor had also opposed certain political events organized in the Bhosari constituency stating that such events did not align with the cultural values of the BJP. This further widened the political gap between the two leaders, cources said.

Statue Platform Controversy Added Fuel
  The dispute escalated further during the controversy surrounding the construction of the platform for the full-size statue of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, where Kalbhor alleged that nearly Rs. 5 crore had been wasted. He had openly criticized both the municipal administration and MLA Landge over the issue, intensifying political tensions.

Fight Over Nominated Corporator Position
  Sachin Kalbhor is reportedly seeking appointment as a nominated corporator in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and has approached senior party leadership for the same. However, strong opposition from Landge is being discussed in political circles, indicating clear factionalism within the party in the city.

Old Political RivalryStill Active
  Political observers point out that the roots of this conflict go back to 2014, when Landge was elected as an independent MLA, while Kalbhor supported the official BJP candidate. Since then, the political relationship between the two leaders has remained strained.

Confusion Among Party Workers and Citizens
  With both leaders belonging to the same party but openly taking positions against each other, confusion has reportedly spread among party workers and citizens in Pimpri-Chinchwad. Discussions about growing internal factionalism within the BJP in the city are now gaining momentum in political circles.
  The upcoming decision on nominated corporator appointments is now expected to be a major political test within the BJP’s Pimpri-Chinchwad unit, and it may clearly reveal the internal power dynamics within the party, political observer said.

Dispute Reported at Chikhli Event

BJP worker Sachin Kalbhor had attended the event to submit a memorandum demanding housing for eligible beneficiaries under the Sector 22 Jawaharlal Nehru Rehabilitation Scheme. During the event, a verbal altercation reportedly took place between him and MLA Landge. Following the incident, Sachin Kalbhor approached the Chikhli Police Station and tried to filed a complaint. The incident has sparked fresh political discussion in the area, and further clarity is expected after official statements or findings emerge, Kalbhor confirmed this.

Party Switch Rumours Denied: Kalbhor Calls Reports False

Last month, BJP worker Sachin Kalbhor visited Matoshree, the residence of Uddhav Thackeray, to extend an invitation for a private event. Following this visit, reports surfaced suggesting that Kalbhor was likely to switch from the Bharatiya Janata Party to the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction. However, when asked for his reaction, Kalbhor dismissed these reports, stating that the news was false and deliberately spread to defame him by certain leaders within the BJP.

“I am a loyal worker of the Bharatiya Janata Party, and false news is being deliberately spread against me with political motives.”
– Sachin Kalbhor, BJP Worker