To The Point: BJP City President Shatrughan Kate’s Action Sends the Message “Party First”
Joined the Party on Leaders’ Orders; Regrets Not Being Able to Give Opportunities to Colleagues
Pimpri-Chinchwad | Special Correspondent: With the Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections approaching, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is witnessing a “mega induction” of new members. However, these inductions have meant that loyal party workers who have worked honestly for eight to ten years for the party are losing out on opportunities. Nevertheless, the BJP’s working principle remains: “Nation first, then party, and finally self.” Dedication to the party is nothing new, and this was once again evident in the actions of City President Shatrughan Kate.
Rahul Kalate, a leader from the Sharad Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party in the Chinchwad constituency, joined the BJP. This induction faced open opposition from party workers or aspirants from Ward 25, including Ram Wakdkar, Vishal Kalate, Vinayak Gaikwad, Navnath Dhavale, and Bharti Vinod. A press conference was even held regarding this.
In reality, Ram Wakdkar and Vishal Kalate had been preparing extensively for the elections through the BJP from this ward. Wakdkar had attracted public attention in the ward by organizing “grad events.” Rumors that Rahul Kalate would join the BJP had been circulating for a few days, and these were confirmed.
“Ward Wakd has capable party candidates. Therefore, there is no need to import Kalate,” was the position presented to the party leadership by City President Shatrughan Kate and MLA & Election Head Shankar Jagtap. However, Kalate directly appealed to the Chief Minister and the state president, who cleared the way for his induction.
Meanwhile, the disgruntled group strongly demanded action from City President Shatrughan Kate. However, due to orders from the party leadership, Kate could not support them. After this, MLA Shankar Jagtap, who had contested and won the assembly elections against certain rivals in 2024, had to give a lighthearted reaction to State President Ravindra Chavan after Kalate’s induction: “Now we will cross 125 seats.” Political observers describe this as somewhat ironic.
Person First, or Party First…
On the other hand, there is no political animosity toward Rahul Kalate. But to ensure justice for other aspirants was not possible, and therefore, City President Shatrughan Kate had to stand on the stage during Kalate’s induction program. The “party protocol” clearly made the decision uncomfortable for him. Yet, Kate prioritized following instructions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and State President Ravindra Chavan. Personal opinions take a backseat before party leadership and discipline. This, according to observers, is why the BJP is recognized as one of the most democratic parties in the world. Once again, it emphasizes that in this party, the focus is on the party, not individuals.
