Solapur, June 8

Political temperatures have risen ahead of the Solapur Local Authorities Constituency Legislative Council election, with Member of Parliament Dhairyasheel Mohite-Patil launching a sharp counterattack on Guardian Minister Jaykumar Gore during a press conference on Monday. Taking a swipe at Gore, Mohite-Patil said that the minister “cannot function politically without criticising the Mohite-Patils” and asserted that the election would be fought solely on development issues.

Addressing reporters, Mohite-Patil said no political leader has the power to either “finish” or “establish” his family politically. “That authority rests only with the people of Solapur district. The public verdict in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections has already demonstrated this,” he remarked.

Speaking about the Legislative Council election, Mohite-Patil said the contest is directly linked to issues affecting local self-government institutions. “We are in the field to resolve the problems of municipal corporations, zilla parishads and other local bodies. Instead of indulging in personal attacks, discussions should focus on development,” he said, advising Gore to concentrate on governance-related matters.

Responding to allegations that he had betrayed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Mohite-Patil rejected the charge outright. He said his family has acknowledged the contribution of every Chief Minister, from Yashwantrao Chavan to Fadnavis. “We have never betrayed anyone. Our political positions have always been transparent,” he said.

He further stated that he is contesting the election under the guidance of Sharad Pawar to uphold progressive values.

Referring to BJP leader Raja Raut’s statement about holding a victory rally in Akluj, Mohite-Patil said Akluj has welcomed many prominent leaders in the past and would extend the same hospitality to Raut as well. He also claimed to be receiving an encouraging response from voters across Solapur, saying many local representatives were openly sharing their grievances with him.

When asked about former MLA Ram Satpute, Mohite-Patil dismissed the issue, saying, “That chapter is closed for us. I do not comment on matters that are already over.”

The escalating war of words between Mohite-Patil and Gore has added a fresh dimension to Solapur’s political landscape ahead of the Legislative Council election. MVA candidate Vasantrao Deshmukh and Congress city president Chetan Narote were also present at the press conference.

MVA Leaders Camp in Solapur

Maha Vikas Aghadi candidate Vasantrao Deshmukh and MP Dhairyasheel Mohite-Patil have been stationed in Solapur for the past two days, coordinating election strategy from Hotel Surya. Reports suggest they have been visiting municipal councillors at their residences and holding a series of meetings to consolidate support ahead of the polls.

BJP Adopts Cautious Approach

With opposition leaders actively reaching out to councillors, the BJP has reportedly adopted a cautious strategy. Sources said BJP city president Narendra Kale has been contacting councillors and their family members, advising them not to respond to opposition outreach efforts or hold meetings with rival leaders. Meanwhile, Guardian Minister Jaykumar Gore is expected to hold a meeting with Solapur city councillors on Wednesday as the election battle intensifies.

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