Anil Shirole all set to ride the 'chariot of change'

A Tata 207 vehicle has been modified with Lotus designs and is equipped with a small dais which can accommodate at least five leaders at a time. The 'rath' also boasts of latest lights and sound system with a generator back-up, so that a rally of 500 people can be addressed from the vehicle.

"The name 'Parivartan' stands for change, which we wish to bring about in the city and also in the ruling party. After the first phase of 'pada yatra,' we will now reach out to all Punekars through 'rath yatra," Shirole said.

Meanwhile,Dharmadhikari, while speaking to the press, said the biggest election issue this time is terrorism and security, which the UPA has failed to tackle. "The scale at which the issue should have been taken up, that wasn't done. The government only flip-flopped on its stand and did not take any concrete steps against Pakistan," Dharmadhikari alleged.

He also lamented about the middle class and the educated citizens shying away from the election process."Only criticising won't do. If we really want an alternative, all middle class citizens should come out and vote," Dharmadhikari said.

Speaking about the local issues, Dharmadhikari said that Suresh Kalmadi should have given more attention to improving basic amenities, rather than just focusing on sports.