A senior BJP leader from Maharashtra, Suresh Dhas, has publicly blamed the alliance with Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction for the BJP’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections. He claims the alliance was unpopular and that BJP workers were disaffected by the sudden inclusion of the NCP. Dhas’ statement comes amid growing discontent within the BJP about the NCP alliance, with other leaders also expressing similar sentiments.
Amidst reports of disappointment after being passed over for a Rajya Sabha nomination in favor of Sunetra Pawar, NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal expressed his aspiration to serve as an MP on Friday. Bhujbal had initially sought the nomination but acknowledged the party’s decision to choose Pawar as only one candidate could be selected from the 13 contenders. Despite not receiving a ticket, Bhujbal maintains his loyalty to the party and respects collective decisions. He also made it known that he was prepared to contest the Lok Sabha polls from the Nashik constituency but withdrew his efforts due to delays and perceived humiliation. The Rajya Sabha bye-election was necessitated by Praful Patel’s resignation, and Bhujbal’s presence during Sunetra Pawar’s nomination filing is noted, while the absence of Shiv Sena (Eknath) and BJP leaders was conspicuous.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Sunit Tingre has expressed his willingness to face any kind of inquiry in connection with the Pune Porsche crash case. Tingre, who represents the Vadgaon Sheri constituency, has been accused of attempting to influence the investigation in favor of the juvenile accused. However, his party colleague, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has defended Tingre, asserting that the allegations against him are baseless.
The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in the Mumbai Lok Sabha polls is a calculated gamble, with potential implications for the party’s fortunes in the city. While the MNS led by Raj Thackeray brings a Marathi votebank, its past anti-north Indian stance creates apprehension among BJP cadres and voters. Political analysts point out the MNS’s inconsistent political allegiances, questioning the durability of its support for the BJP. The BJP’s strategy hinges on the belief that Thackeray’s oratorical skills and appeal to Marathi-speaking voters can counter the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP’s campaigns. However, the MNS’s lack of a strong organizational base and its perceived shift away from its nativist roots could limit its impact, particularly in light of the polarizing rhetoric employed by the BJP leadership.
Two descendants of Maratha warrior king Shivaji, Shahu Chhatrapati and Udayanraje Bhosale, are battling for Lok Sabha seats in western Maharashtra on opposing political fronts. Chhatrapati, representing the Maha Vikas Aghadi on a Congress ticket, faces Sanjay Mandlik of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in Kolhapur. Bhosale, contesting from Satara on a BJP ticket, challenges NCP (SP) candidate Shashikant Shinde. Both candidates have strong roots in the Maratha royal family and are seen as strategic choices by their respective parties.
Sharad Pawar’s NCP candidate from Baramati, Supriya Sule, was met with warm gestures during her visit to the Khadakvasla assembly constituency in Pune. Local women offered her ‘prasad’ as a symbol of their support and blessings.
Despite a scorching heatwave, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance held a two-hour public rally in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. The rally saw NCP (SP) leaders, including Jayant Patil and Rohini Khadse, file nominations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Rohini Khadse, who is contesting against her sister-in-law Raksha Khadse, emphasized fighting against the BJP’s ideology and addressing issues such as farmer welfare and unemployment. The rally highlighted the ongoing political battles in Maharashtra, where family ties and political differences intersect.
The political landscape in Maharashtra is abuzz with brewing controversies and strategic maneuvering ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. In Amravati, a heated dispute has arisen over the venue of Union Minister Amit Shah’s rally, with Prahar party leader Bachchu Kadu claiming the ground for his own event. Meanwhile, the NCP remains firm in its bid for the Nashik Lok Sabha seat despite MLA Chhagan Bhujbal’s withdrawal from the race. In a unique twist, political parties are utilizing wedding venues to advance their election campaigns, taking advantage of the summer season’s social gatherings to spread their messages.
In the upcoming Maharashtra elections, NCP’s Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar, faces a formidable challenge from her sister-in-law, Sunetra Pawar. This intra-family contest highlights the complexities of Indian politics and the role of family dynamics in electoral battles.
Parth Pawar, the son of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and the Lok Sabha candidate for the NCP in Baramati, has been accorded ‘Y-plus’ category security cover by the state government. The decision was taken due to concerns over his safety during the election campaign. The ‘Y-plus’ security cover includes an 11-member crew, including commandos.
