Pune: A Marathi song ‘pahilvan aala ga pahilvan aala’ (the wrestler has come) plays on loudspeakers as hundreds of BJP supporters on bikes weave through the lanes and bylanes of Parvati , Navi Peth, and nearby areas. Behind them comes Murildhar Mohol, a former wrestler and BJP’s Pune Lok Sabha nominee, in an open jeep. The scene has become a regular feature since the party’s candidature was announced about a month ago.
Just before the rally starts, a group of workers go ahead and burst firecrackers. As if on cue, the bikers crank up their motorcycles, and everybody takes up their positions. The preparation for the rally resembles a mini marathon.
The route is clearly planned and marked well in advance. Arrangements are made for snacks and water at designated stops. Considering the scorching heat, the host or the local corporator keeps lemon juices or cold drinks ready.
Attention is paid to selection of the rally timings so that the heat does not prevent people from joining the rally, said an organiser. As the rally moves from one destination to another, Mohol, a former mayor of Pune, waves at people standing on roads. He also makes sure that he accepts the blessings of women supporters who welcome him at stop points with aukshan (traditional Hindu way of welcoming someone by waving a lit lamp).
“My agenda is to resolve issues of citizens, including traffic and water. The opportunity to work on a national platform has come my way through this election,” he tells th.
