Bhangra, crackers time for Ajit Pawar's supporters

Dada's appointment to deputy chief minister post triggers celebrations among local NCP men; Mayor Rajpal leads from the front

Fondly called Dada, Ajit Pawar is from Baramati, the stronghold of the Pawar family, but he made the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) the ruling party in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) three years ago.

After the announcement making him deputy chief minister, it was celebration time for NCP workers in the city.

Sweets all around
Mayor Mohansingh Rajpal and 25 NCP corporators distributed sweets and burst firecrackers in front of the PMC main building. Rajpal also performed the bhangra with his party colleagues to express his joy.

Ajit Pawar is credited with the NCP capturing enough seats in the civic house to become the ruling party when the civic elections were held three years ago.

"This is a happy moment for us as a young and dynamic leader like Dada has been given the post (of deputy CM)," said Rajpal. "Pawar is a man who keeps his word whenever he makes a promise to anybody. His tenure might prove to be the golden era of Maharashtra."

Former NCP president Jaidev Gaikwad, leader Ankushu00a0 Kakade, PMC Leader of the House Neelesh Nikam and women corporators, including Sulochana Tupe and Ratnaprabha Jagtap, were seen in the mood to party following the announcement.

Mayor off to Mumbai
Rajpal left for Mumbai with MLA Vandana Chavan to congratulate Pawar.
Pawar's wife Sunetra, who was on her way to Mantralaya in Mumbai, said it was her dream to see her husband occupy the top post.
u00a0
"God is great. He has heard my prayers," said she.

In Pimpri-Chinchwad
In the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), party leaders and workers were in high spirits.
There was much bursting firecrackers and dancing to the rhythm of drums at different places in Pimpri-Chinchwad.

"Dada will make Pimpri-Chinchwad one of the best places in Maharashtra," said Pimpri-Chinchwad Mayor Yogesh Behl. "He has a great vision and capacity to work."