Pune: In a meeting held by BJP leader Pankaja Munde to review the status of the Wadgaon Sheri Assembly constituency, the absence of key party figures, including former MLA Bapu Pathare and six to seven corporators, has sparked concerns about internal discord.

The meeting was a critical part of the BJP’s efforts to assess the on-ground situation in Wadgaon Sheri, Khadakwasla, and Shivajinagar constituencies, for which Munde has been given oversight responsibility.

It was expected that the meeting would serve as a platform for party workers and office bearers to discuss strategies and align their efforts for the upcoming elections.

However, the conspicuous absence of several prominent figures has fueled speculation about dissatisfaction and potential divisions within the party.

The absence of former MLA Bapu Pathare, who is reportedly eyeing a ticket to contest from Wadgaon Sheri, alongside other party corporators, has led to questions about internal unity.

Some reports suggest that the absentees may be disillusioned with the current leadership or the direction of the campaign strategy, highlighting challenges that the BJP may face in consolidating its base in these key constituencies.

Moreover, the absences have intensified rumors about possible defections. Bapu Pathare and former BJP corporator Anil Tingre have been linked with Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), adding another layer of complexity to the BJP's internal dynamics.

Pathare’s recent interactions with Pawar have been particularly scrutinized, suggesting that the political landscape in Pune could shift dramatically ahead of the polls.