BJP Pushes for Candidate Changes in Maharashtra Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls

In Short

• BJP asks Shiv Sena to replace two candidates for Lok Sabha polls
• Candidates in question are Hemant Patil and Dhairyasheel Mane
• Deliberations and persuasions are going on in Shiv Sena

As the Lok Sabha elections draw near and Maharashtra prepares to vote in five phases, the ruling Mahayuti alliance faces internal discord as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeks to replace two incumbent candidates fielded by the Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde-led faction.

Sources reveal that the BJP has urged the Shiv Sena to reconsider its candidates for two Lok Sabha constituencies, namely Hingoli and Hatkanangale, where sitting MPs Hemant Patil and Dhairyasheel Mane are currently representing.

Shiv Sena’s initial list of candidates, released on March 28, included eight Lok Sabha constituencies, retaining seven incumbent MPs except for Ramtek, where Raju Parve replaced Kripal Tumhane.

The BJP’s call for replacement comes following internal survey reports, suggesting dissatisfaction with the performance or prospects of the current candidates.

Speculations arise regarding potential replacements, with sources hinting at Nivedita Mane and Rajshree Patil as possible candidates for Hatkanangale and Yavatmal-Washim constituencies, respectively.

Amidst these deliberations, incumbent MP Hemant Godse from Nashik strives to retain his candidacy, with strong competition expected from NCP’s Chagan Bhujbal.

Moreover, internal discord surfaces within the Shiv Sena, as senior MPs like Gajnan Kirtikar and Anandrao Adsul express reservations or discontent over certain candidacies announced by the party or its alliance partner BJP.

The BJP’s aspirations extend to other constituencies as well, notably Kalyan, currently represented by Eknath Shinde’s son, Dr. Shrikant Shinde. While Dr. Shinde’s candidacy remains undeclared, the BJP eyes a strategic exchange in Thane or Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituencies, leading to tensions among incumbent MPs and party leaders.

In response to these developments, unrest ensues as MPs and party members queue up at Eknath Shinde’s residence for negotiations and persuasions. Additionally, displays of strength are witnessed outside the Chief Minister’s official residence, Varsha, underscoring the internal turmoil within the Mahayuti alliance.

As the political landscape evolves in Maharashtra, these internal conflicts within the ruling alliance could significantly impact the outcome of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, adding layers of complexity to the electoral dynamics in the state.