Maharashtra BJP MLA Mahesh Landge’s recent statement on gaurakshaks (self-styled cow vigilantes) has pitted him against Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, setting the stage for a likely political duel in Bhosari constituency, with local body polls around the corner.

Last week, Landge, who had switched sides from the undivided Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to the BJP in 2014, issued a statement supporting gaurakshaks, assuring them of protection from being implicated in false cases. His remarks came in the backdrop of Pawar earlier this month asking authorities to direct district police heads not to allow private individuals to inspect vehicles transporting animals. Following Pawar’s intervention, the Maharashtra Police had issued a circular stating that only the police should act against those involved in illegal cattle transport.

Hitting out at Pawar for asking the police to keep the cow vigilantes under control, Landge said in his statement, “This [Pawar’s] statement has hurt the sentiments of the Hindutva workers. We will continue to stand for the protection of cows and the Hindu religion.”

One of Landge’s aides said that his statement was only a reflection of the BJP’s stance. “Cow protection and action against ‘love jihad’ are at the core of our Hindutva policy. The MLA’s statement is a reflection of the same,” he said.

With butchers in the state on a strike for more than a month, Pawar’s stance diverges from that of alliance partner BJP—though BJP MLC Sadabhau Khot spoke out against cow vigilantes recently.

Meanwhile, Landge’s statement is being seen as a strategic bid to ensure his party gets the upper hand in Bhosari constituency, a seat that Pawar and the NCP have set sights on.

Batte for Bhosari

Located in the Pimpri Chinchwad area of Pune district, the Bhosari Assembly seat has a cosmopolitan population, with a large migrant population due to the presence of industries. Earlier, the undivided NCP had the upper hand in the area, with the BJP having a minimal or almost no presence. But in 2014, Landge won the seat as an Independent and then joined the BJP, ensuring the saffron party got a foothold in the area. Now in his third term, Landge also served as the BJP city president, calling the shots in Bhosari.

Pimpri Chinchwad was once seen as Pawar’s pet project, with the deputy chief minister and the undivided NCP holding the reins of the municipal corporation. The BJP is hoping to wrest power back in the upcoming civic polls.

Landge’s statement is being seen in political circles as a bid to ensure that his dominance in Bhosari—where many from the undivided NCP have joined Ajit Pawar—and Pimpri Chinchwad remains unchallenged.

This is the second time this year that Landge and Pawar have been at loggerheads publicly. In February, Pawar had openly lashed out at Landge for not crediting him for the development of Pimpri Chinchwad.

With Landge known to be close to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in the run-up to the civic polls, there is speculation that there may be more to his statement than meets the eye.