Raigad: Why J.M. Mhatre and Pritam Mhatre Left PWP for BJP in a major political realignment ahead of upcoming local body elections, senior Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) leader and former Panvel Municipal Council President J.M. Mhatre, along with former Opposition Leader of Panvel Municipal Corporation Pritam Mhatre, officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday. The move marks a major setback for the PWP in the Raigad region.
The induction took place in the presence of BJP leader and State Minister for IT and Legislative Affairs Ashish Shelar, who welcomed the leaders and their supporters into the party fold. The switch saw over 130 office bearers from various political backgrounds joining the BJP, including 19 current and former corporators, 4 Zilla Parishad members, 4 Panchayat Samiti members, 3 ex-municipal council presidents, 2 deputy presidents, 26 sarpanchs, 18 upa-sarpanchs, and 63 gram panchayat members.
Discontent had been simmering within the PWP over what many leaders described as neglect under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. J.M. Mhatre stated that despite decades of loyal service, his appeals for internal reform were ignored. “I served PWP with honesty for 48 years. But for the betterment of our workers and the development of our region, BJP offers a better future,” he said.
Pritam Mhatre emphasized that BJP values its grassroots cadre and provides a strong platform to work for public welfare. “This region is witnessing rapid development – from the upcoming international airport named after D.B. Patil to new industries in Raigad. These will generate thousands of jobs. We want our youth to benefit from these opportunities,” he added.
Why J.M. Mhatre and Pritam Mhatre Left PWP for BJP leaders declared the induction as a major boost for the party’s prospects in the Konkan belt. With similar shifts already seen in Alibaug and Uran, the political landscape of Raigad district appears to be undergoing a profound transformation.
