Pune | April 02, 2024: As the Lok Sabha Election 2024 draws closer, Ravindra Dhangekar, a Congress MLA from Pune and the party’s candidate for the upcoming election, finds himself embroiled in controversy over his education credentials. Dhangekar, who has been fielded as the Congress candidate from Pune, is facing severe trolling on social media platforms, primarily targeted at his educational background, with posts circulating claiming he is only 8th pass.
The trolling has gained momentum with messages such as ‘The candidate of Pune, the motherland of education, is illiterate’ spreading rapidly on social media platforms. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been particularly active in targeting Dhangekar over his education, attempting to discredit him through this avenue.
Responding to the backlash, Dhangekar asserted that the focus on his education reflects the desperation of his opponents and their acknowledgement of his strength as a candidate. He affirmed that such tactics only underscore their fear of defeat.
In a show of support, MLA Rohit Pawar from the Nationalist Congress Sharad Pawar faction condemned the BJP’s targeting of Dhangekar’s education. Pawar emphasized that educational qualifications should not be conflated with one’s ability to serve the public effectively. He cited examples of prominent leaders with modest educational backgrounds who have excelled in public service, emphasizing the disconnect between education and governance.
Furthermore, Pawar criticized the BJP’s IT cell for resorting to such tactics, labeling it as an attempt to divert attention from pertinent issues facing the electorate. He stressed the need to focus on substantive issues rather than engaging in personal attacks.
Meanwhile, Dhangekar has issued a warning to his opponents, asserting that attempts to undermine his education will not deter him from his commitment to serving the public. Posters questioning his educational qualifications have gone viral on social media, prompting Dhangekar to reaffirm his determination to contest the election on the basis of his merits and vision for Pune.
In light of these developments, the debate surrounding Ravindra Dhangekar’s education continues to intensify as the Lok Sabha Election approaches, underscoring the significance of issues beyond academic qualifications in electoral discourse.
