In a significant development, BJP corporator Pahilwan Kambale from Chinchwad joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) along with hundreds of workers, giving a major boost to Rahul Kalate’s campaign. This move is seen as a significant gain for Kalate, who is contesting the Chinchwad Assembly seat on an NCP ticket.

Kambale’s decision to join the NCP was announced in the presence of Sharad Pawar, the party’s national president. The development is expected to impact the electoral prospects in Chinchwad, where Kalate is pitted against other contenders.

Kalate, who began his political career as a corporator in Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Wakad ward, has previously contested Assembly elections on a Shiv Sena ticket. His father, Lieutenant Tanaji Kalate, was Wakad’s first corporator, and his mother, Kamal Kalate, also held a corporator position.

The Chinchwad Assembly constituency is witnessing a keen contest, with Kalate’s candidacy being seen as a strong challenge to other contenders. The constituency will go to polls on November 18, and the results will be announced on November 23.