The cosmopolitan face of the city reflects on the lists of candidates of all political parties. Most of the non-Marathi candidates claim to be the ‘sons of the soil’ and are confident of fetching Marathi and non-Marathi votes.
The political parties aim to cash in on the non-Marathi votes which have increased considerably in the last few years with the expansion of IT sector, industries and business community.
Most of these non-Marathi candidates are born and brought up in Pune and connect well with the city culture. They say that they are not dependent on the community card and are sure of the support of the Marathis.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has fielded Jaya Bannerjee from panel 4 (Central jail, Nagpur chawl). Though she admits that Pune is becoming a cosmopolitan, she says that she is very much a ‘Puneite’.
“I have had my schooling in Pune. I know to read, write and speak Marathi. I connect well with the local people. My candidature is a proof that MNS is not against non-Maharashtrians. It supports those who love Maharashtra and I am a “Puneri mulgi’,” she said. She feels that if non-Marathis are being given a chance, it means that the non-Marathi population is indulging in active citizenship.
Kuntilal Chordiya is contesting on Bharatiya Janata Party’s ticket from panel 17 B (Aga Khan palace). He is born and brought up in Pune and says that he is recognised as a Maharashtrian in his area.
“Though we are from Jodhpur, our family has been staying here for more than 45 years. Community may matter to an extent, but to make a difference one needs to connect to locals and I do,” he said.
Congress candidate from Koregaon Park, Sangeeta Tiwari, said her party caters to the needs of all community and therefore people would vote for her. Though she agrees that Pune is becoming a cosmopolitan, she felt that the mix culture is seen in some pockets of the city, including her panel.
“I was born in Kasba Peth which is a typical Marathi area. This Marathi culture dominates most of the city even today. But some areas like Koregaon Park are truly cosmopolitan,” she stated.
Pune mayor and NCP’s Mohansingh Rajpal is contesting for his third term from KEM Hospital panel. Another candidate who is born and brought up in Pune, he believes that the citizens of Pune are wise enough to vote for ‘deserving’ candidates rather than party or community.
Interestingly, mayors of both Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad are non-Marathis.
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