Pune: Former BJP house leader Shrinath Bhimale has positioned himself as a challenger to incumbent MLA Madhuri Misal for the Parvati Assembly Constituency in the upcoming state elections.

Bhimale has applied for a "No Dues Certificate" from the Pune Municipal Corporation, which is a mandatory document for filing a nomination. This move indicates his readiness to contest, raising concerns for the three-term MLA Misal.

Bhimale, who has been a key figure in Pune’s political landscape for over three decades, has served as a corporator from the Market Yard area three times.

He was also the house leader in the Municipal Corporation during BJP’s majority rule. Bhimale is known to have a close rapport with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and his preparations for the upcoming elections have been ongoing for the past few months.

After the recent Lok Sabha elections, where BJP’s Murlidhar Mohol won a significant margin in the Parvati Constituency, Bhimale posted on social media, stating, "I will contest and win," stirring discussions within BJP.

This has now been followed by Bhimale formally applying for the "No Dues Certificate," a prerequisite for candidates to ensure they have no outstanding taxes or dues.

In previous elections (2009, 2014, and 2019), Bhimale had expressed his desire to contest from Parvati but stepped aside due to party decisions.

This time, however, Bhimale seems resolute in his intention to contest. He has submitted his request for the party’s nomination to senior leaders and is moving ahead with the formalities required to run for office.

The Parvati Assembly Constituency has been a BJP stronghold, and with Bhimale’s challenge, the upcoming election is expected to be closely watched within political circles.