Political Tensions Rise in Maharashtra as BJP Releases List of 195 Candidates for Lok Sabha Polls
Mumbai, 4th March 2024: The political landscape in Maharashtra is heating up as the BJP unveils its initial list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha (LS) polls. Tensions are escalating between CM Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and the BJP in the absence of a formal announcement regarding seat-sharing among Sena, BJP, and NCP (Ajit Pawar).
The Sena is pushing for a stake in at least 18 seats, with several influential party members, including former Sena MP Anandrao Adsul, MP Gajanan Kirtikar, and ex-minister Ramdas Kadam, asserting their claims on crucial constituencies. Some leaders have gone to the extent of declaring that they won’t campaign for BJP candidates in their respective regions.
Anandrao Adsul is adamant about contesting from Amravati, despite the Mahayuti alliance indicating its intention to offer the ticket to sitting independent MP Navneet Rana. Adsul staunchly maintains that the Amravati LS seat belongs to Shiv Sena and vows to contest from there, emphasizing that the constituency has historical ties with the party.
Meanwhile, Ramdas Kadam asserts the Sena’s rightful claim on Ratnagiri, rejecting any notion of relinquishing the constituency. He underscores the importance of maintaining unity within the Mahayuti alliance and vows to secure Ratnagiri as the Sena’s rightful place.
In a recent development, Gajanan Kirtikar, a senior Sena MP, rejects the proposed allocation of 12 seats for the Sena, deeming it unacceptable. The dynamics between the Shiv Sena and the BJP are intensifying as they navigate the complexities of seat-sharing ahead of the LS polls.
