Controversy over illegal construction at Joggers Park in Chikhali

Pune: The construction of an alleged illegal religious structure at Joggers Park in the Shivtejnagar area of Chikhali has escalated into a political flashpoint in Pimpri Chinchwad, with former mayor NCP’s Mangala Kadam embroiled in a disagreement with BJP MLA Mahesh Landge and BJP corporator Yogita Nagargoje.

In a viral video, Kadam, who reportedly wants the building to be constructed, was seen confronting Landge on a public road. She said she had politically supported Landge for nearly 15 years despite being associated with the NCP. However, the MLA was now standing up for Nagargoje, who was objecting to the structure.

The video triggered intense political discussions, with many interpreting her remarks as exposing internal faultlines in the NCP. Members across political parties said many from the said party had allegedly backed rival political figures, despite holding important positions within their own organisation.

Son of deputy CM Sunetra Pawar, Parth, reacted to Kadam’s remarks and shared a news report related to the controversy on social media. He posted: “This is the bitter truth of Pimpri Chinchwad politics.”

Kadam is associated with the NCP, but her son, Kushagra, had contested and won in the recently held civic elections on a BJP ticket.

The entire controversy began after Nagargoje objected to the ongoing construction through Facebook Live. She said it was encroaching on public amenity space. The issue soon took a political turn. The former mayor allegedly backed the construction activity.

Videos circulating on social media later showed Kadam accusing Landge of supporting the corporator’s stand. She is heard telling Landge that she had worked in his favour for nearly 15 years, despite belonging to the rival NCP. She had even opposed her own party’s senior leaders — including former MLA Vilas Lande — during elections.

She said in the video: “We started the work after informing you in advance and taking your consent. Now your corporator, Yogita Nagargoje, is saying that Mahesh dada himself has instructed that the construction be demolished.”

Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation officials said the structure would be razed since it was being constructed without required permissions. “It is unauthorised and demolition proceedings will be carried out as per rules,” an official said.

Nagargoje defended her opposition to the structure and said the issue was about protecting public spaces. “I am not against any religious structure. However, the garden is important for local residents. A complaint has been submitted to the municipal corporation in this regard and action will be taken soon,” she told reporters.