PMC polls: Minister Chandrakant Patil predicts big win for Lahu Balwadkar, Amol Balwadkar hits back

Minister of Higher and Technical Education Chandrakant Patil made a bold prediction ahead of the Pune Municipal Corporation elections, claiming that BJP candidate Lahu Balwadkar will win from Ward No 9 with the highest margin in the entire state. Responding sharply, NCP candidate Amol Balwadkar from the same ward said that Patil would not have to campaign door-to-door if the BJP gave him a ticket.

With last-minute ticket cuts becoming a major talking point in the PMC polls, Ward No 9 emerged as one of the most closely watched contests. After the BJP denied a ticket to youth leader Amol Balwadkar, he joined the NCP led by Ajit Pawar and launched a fierce attack on BJP leaders, including Chandrakant Patil and Union minister Murlidhar Mohol. Despite the controversy, Patil campaigned extensively in the ward, backing Lahu Balwadkar.




Patil said his political predictions consistently proved accurate in the past and expressed confidence that voters in Balewadi and surrounding areas will back Lahu Balwadkar in large numbers. He recalled, “During the 2017 municipal elections, I predicted the BJP’s performance in Mumbai, which later turned out to be accurate. I am confident that Lahu Balwadkar will emerge as the corporator with the highest number of votes in the state,” Patil said, urging party workers to intensify campaigning in the final phase.

During his campaign, Balwadkar repeatedly targeted Patil and Mohol, accusing them of sidelining committed party workers. Responding to Patil’s prediction, Amol Balwadkar said the minister’s confidence would be better used to ensure fairness within the BJP. He mocked Patil’s remarks, saying the minister should now “carry a parrot” if he was so certain about election outcomes.

Balwadkar alleged, “My ticket was cut because I sought an assembly ticket from Kothrud, but I was misled until the last moment with assurances of candidature. Joining Ajit Pawar’s NCP marked a turning point in my political career. Ajit Pawar strengthened my campaign by holding the first Pune rally in support of me.” With sharp exchanges between senior leaders and candidates, Ward No 9 emerged as a high-stakes battleground.