Pune Loksabha Candidates Comparison – Elections 2014

Pune is fortunate to have been offered decent candidates by most parties. However there are significant differences in their profiles. While several candidates have criminal cases against them, it needs to be noted that the cases against the major candidates are related to political protests and defying police orders in the process.

Below is my quick assessment of the major candidates. It is ofcourse based on my perception. I do not claim to be unbiased or objective. Do add comments with any additional inputs / info.

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Deepak Natharam Paigude, 48
Education: 12th Passed from Education Society Abasaheb Pune 1983

* MNS Website *Affidavit *Analysis On MyNeta

For:

1. Part of a party that is perceived as action-oriented.
2. Decades of political experience.
3. Founded & built Lokseva Pratishthan (dairy, school, bazaar, bank).

Against:

1. Party known for resorting to violent – divisive politics.
2. Profile suggests minimal exposure to national – international issues.
3. Seems to avoid interacting with Pune’s educated middle/upper middle class.  Question mark over whether he will take up issues that matter to this segment.

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Padmakar (Anil) Shirole, 53
Education: Graduate, B.A. Arts Passed April 1974 Pune Vidhyapith , Maharashtra Madhyamik Shala Pariksha Mandal 1967 Morden High School Pune

*Website *Affidavit *Analysis On MyNeta

For:

1. Decades of experience in the Pune Corporation and Pune Politics.
2. Good local connect through many years as a nagarsevak.
3. Has tried hard to reach out to Punekars through traditional as well as tech channels like Hangouts & Twitter.

Against:

1. Is very much a part & beneficiary of the current establishment.
2. Seeking votes more for Mr. Modi rather than based on own merits and plans.
3. Supports construction in the Bio Diversity Park (BDP). Had also opposed the canal garden in favour of a road to nowhere.  *1 & *2 (Questionable stand on eco issues.)
4. Party has a history of divisive, religion based politics.

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Subhash Ware, 50
Education:Graduate. D.Pharm from Govt. Pharmaceutical College 1989, B.Pharm from Govt. Pharmaceutical College in 1983, HSC Commerce And Science College Ahemdabad in 1982, SSC From Shri Naresh School Ahemadabad in 1979

*AAP Pune Facebook *Affidavit *Analysis On MyNeta

For:

1. Outsider to the system. Very much the common man with a clean image.
2. Significant grassroot work as part of various mass social movements
3. Opposed 4 FSI for Metro. Called for no construction in the BDP
4. Likely to focus on tackling corruption
5. Came across as well studied on most issues (link).

Against:

1. Lack of political experience. Has held no public office.
2. Part of a party that has tiny national presence and little experience of governing.
3. Possibly a believer in socialism, with increased role for the state in all matters.
4. Kejriwal and AAP’s “holier than thou” attitude. AAP also getting increasingly irresponsible with firing off allegations against all.

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Vishwajeet Kadam, 33
Education: Doctorate: Ph.D. Bharti Vidhyapith University Pune 2011, M.B.A. Bharti Vidhyapith Pune 2006, B.E. Bharti Vidhyapith Pune 2004*

*Website *Affidavit *Analysis On MyNeta

For:

1. Well Educated. (BE, MBA, PhD) (All qualifications are from self-owned institutes.)
2. Entrenched political family. Well placed to get things done.
3. Youth: Could break away from the traditional way of doing things and do something new.
4. Will enjoy support from the Pune Corporation as well as the State govt. Cong+NCP is in power at both places.

Against:

1. Beneficiary of dynastic politics. Part of the ruling establishment for decades.
2. Heir to an educational empire with questionable track record.
3. Lack of experience. Has never been a Nagrasevak, MLA…
4. Likely to continue with the current Pune model (Metro, 4FSI and BRTS…). Not much will change
5. Bharti Vidyapeth staffers held on charges of distributing money for votes (link)
6. Party tainted by many major corruption scams at the national and local level.

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Choose Wisely!

*sorted on first name

Unfortunately, like with previous elections, the Election Commision websites continue to be  substandard. However MyNeta and PuneVotes have done some good work of analyzing and comparing the data in the affidavits. MyNeta comparison embedded below