Despite reports indicating hurt feelings following the NCP’s decision to nominate Sunetra Pawar as a Rajya Sabha candidate over him, Chhagan Bhujbal expressed his desire to become an MP on Friday. On Thursday, Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, submitted her nomination for the upcoming Rajya Sabha bye-election at Vidhan Bhawan in Mumbai. Bhujbal stated to TOI after Sunetra Pawar filed her nomination, “Perhaps my party felt I was not the right fit for the Rajya Sabha bypoll. I have been loyal to my party and adhered to collective decisions.” Bhujbal also mentioned that there were 13 contenders for the Rajya Sabha seat and that the NCP leadership had decided to nominate Sunetra Pawar as only one candidate could be selected. When questioned about his disappointment on Friday, the NCP leader responded that he had always desired to become an MP and hence was eager to secure the Rajya Sabha nomination. Bhujbal had also expressed interest in contesting the Lok Sabha polls from the Nashik constituency. However, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance fielded Hemant Godse from Shiv Sena, which is also a partner in the alliance. Godse was defeated by Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Rajabhau Waje. Bhujbal remarked, “Sometimes, it’s destiny or some sort of compulsion,” adding, “There could be reasons (for not giving him tickets).” Notably, Bhujbal was present when Sunetra Pawar filed her nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections. However, the absence of leaders from Shiv Sena (Eknath) and the BJP was noticeable. The NCP leader stated that it was his aspiration to become an MP and that he was therefore prepared to run for the Lok Sabha from the Nashik constituency. Bhujbal said that he began working on his campaign as he had been informed that his nomination had been finalized in Delhi. However, as the announcement of his name was delayed, he withdrew due to the perceived humiliation. Nevertheless, Bhujbal emphasized that the choice was made in the party’s best interests and that he harbored no resentment. In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the NCP (Ajit Pawar) contested four of the 48 seats in alliance with the BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde). However, the party was victorious in just one constituency, Raigad. Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra, also lost her election to Supriya Sule. The bye-election was necessitated by the resignation of NCP leader Praful Patel, who had been re-elected in February this year.
