Pune civic polls: BJP pulls back candidate after past videos targeting CM Fadnavis go viral

Pune: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has withdrawn the candidature of Pooja More Jadhav from the Pune civic elections after old protest videos allegedly targeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis resurfaced and triggered strong internal opposition within the party.

More Jadhav had been allotted the AB form for Ward No. 2 under the Republican Party of India (RPI) quota, but her nomination quickly became controversial once the videos began circulating widely on social media. In the clips, she is allegedly seen making personal remarks against Devendra Fadnavis and his wife during the Maratha reservation agitation, leading to objections from BJP workers at the local and state levels.

Confirming the decision, Union Minister and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol said the party chose to withdraw her candidature to prevent further damage and distraction ahead of the crucial civic polls. Party insiders said the leadership acted after assessing the possible political fallout and growing resentment among party cadres.

Reacting to the development, Pooja More Jadhav claimed she was being targeted unfairly. She argued that the remarks in the viral videos were not made by her and accused social media users of falsely linking the clips to her identity. “A wrong impression was created that I am against Devendra Fadnavis and the BJP. Due to the trolling and pressure, I decided to step back,” she said.

Recalling her political journey, More Jadhav said she had faced police action, court cases, and severe financial hardship during past movements. “Getting a ticket from a national party was a big moment for a grassroots worker like me. I wanted to work for people at the lowest level,” she added.