“I am happy that such a decision has been taken,” Says Sharad Pawar Over BjP Withdrawing From Andheri Election
Mumbai, 17th October 2022: After withdrawing from the Andheri by-election, the ongoing conflict between the Thackeray group and the BJP in the state. MNS President Raj Thackeray and NCP President Sharad Pawar had appealed to the BJP to conduct this election uncontested. After this, BJP mulled over this from Sunday night and finally decided to withdraw the candidature of Murji Patel.
Sharad Pawar said, “Six to seven are independents. If even one independent stands, the election will take place. I did not have any demands from the BJP. How can I suggest them? I was just giving advice. It was hoped that after the suggestion something positive would be decided. I am happy that such a decision has been taken.”
He also said that it is important that the decision was made even though it was late.
“I don’t mind if it’s anyone’s say. There is no need to raise doubts after deciding to withdraw. This was a year and a half election. We take a similar decision after the wife of the gentleman who left has been nominated,” said Sharad Pawar.
State President of BJP, Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced that he is withdrawing from the election.
He said, “51 percent we would have won that battle. We were fully prepared. We were on the battlefield, and the wards were aligned. Under the leadership of Ashish Shelar, we were going to win the election 100 percent. It was also thought that there is only one year left for the next election. BJP has taken this decision many times before. This culture is not of today but there are many examples from Atal Bihari Vajpayee”.
Sharad Pawar, Raj Thackeray appealed to the BJP to conduct the Andheri by-election unopposed. But Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray did not publicly express his opinion. Also, there was no such mention in Uddhav Thackeray’s appeal. After the death of Rajiv Satav and Sharad Ranpise, Congress leaders from the state had met Fadnavis and requested that the Rajya Sabha or Legislative Council by-elections be held uncontested. BJP leaders were pointing out that no such request had been made by Shiv Sena.
