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The wave of rebellion has raised concerns about its impact on the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shinde Mahayuti, especially in key constituencies such as Borivali, Mumbadevi and Akola West, with influential Bharatiya Janata Party leaders now saying: charting its own path.
Defections and dissent from senior leaders in these constituencies have raised questions about the BJP’s candidate selection process. (PTI)
In the run-up to the Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP is facing intense internal opposition, with several senior leaders who were denied votes announcing their decision to contest as independent candidates.
This wave of rebellion has raised concerns about the impact on the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shinde Mahayuti (Grand Alliance), particularly in key constituencies like Borivali, Mumbadevi and Akola West, where the influential Indian The leaders of the People’s Party are now charting their own course.
Gopal Shetty, a prominent Bharatiya Janata Party leader from Mumbai who was eyeing Borivali Assembly constituency, openly expressed his displeasure. Following the party’s decision to field Sanjay Upadhyay from Borivali, Shetty has decided to contest as an independent candidate. Senior BJP leader Ashish Shelar met Shetty late on Monday to try to calm the situation, but sources said Shetty remained steadfast in his decision to run.
In yet another significant development in the Mumbadevi constituency, long-time BJP leader Shaina NC was unexpectedly announced as the official candidate representing the Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena.
Shaina had initially sought to contest from the Worli constituency as a Bharatiya Janata Party candidate, but the party decided to nominate her as Mumbadevi, which came as a surprise to the entire political establishment. Within hours, Shaina will join the Shiv Sena Shinde faction on a new ticket and will take on Congress’s Amin Patel in what is expected to be a closely watched race. However, Atul Shah of the Bharatiya Janata Party was disappointed with Shaina’s selection and announced his intention to run as an independent candidate. If he continues, Mr. Shaina could face further challenges from Mr. Shah, which could dilute Mr. Mahayuti’s votes in this constituency.
Adding to Mahayuti’s agenda is the Bandra East constituency, where Ajit Pawar-led NCP has nominated Zeeshan Siddiqui. Dissatisfied with ticket allotment, Shiv Sena Shinde faction leader Kunal Sarmarkar has announced his intention to contest elections independently from the constituency, putting further strain on the alliance’s unity.
In western Akola, the BJP is facing setbacks as a senior leader, with former municipal council president Harish Alimchandani also announcing he will run as an independent. The party chose former mayor Vijay Agarwal as its candidate, but Alimchandani, who has been in the Akola municipal administration for 28 years, said he found this an insult to his experience and loyalty. It is being
Adding to the situation, former BJP city president Ashok Oranbe, currently a member of the Pramod Mahajan branch, has also resigned and plans to apply for nomination from the Prahar Janshakti Party.
Defections and dissent from senior leaders in these constituencies have raised questions about the BJP’s candidate selection process, with party insiders saying such independent candidatures could polarize the Mahayuti vote and ultimately There are concerns that it could benefit the opposition.
While the BJP leadership is working to contain its influence, senior officials remain firm on their decision to contest independently, and the path forward for the alliance is fraught with challenges.
