The BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP combine in Maharashtra found itself on shaky ground amid clashes in Nashik constituency this week. Prime Minister Eknath Shinde headed to the city on Wednesday as differences within the alliance threatened to derail sitting MP Hemant Godse's Lok Sabha poll campaign. The BJP had initially opposed his candidature and tried to give the seat to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.
The prime minister held a meeting with local party leaders on Wednesday in an attempt to calm them down and improve campaign prospects. He expressed confidence in Godse's campaign and emphasized that victory was assured with the support of former Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vijay Karanjkar. Godse also met NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Shinde's instructions and sought his support for the campaign.
Godse's appointment had also led to infighting within the Shiv Sena ranks, with district chief Ajay Boraste and his supporters keeping their distance from the campaign. Boraste was also reassured on Wednesday with several commitments.
“Everyone is together for Hemant Godse's victory. He is a two-term MP… Now Karanjkar is with Godse. Therefore, Godse's victory is confirmed. Vijay Karanjkar, like you, was in the race (for the chief minister's post) till the last minute. Had it not been me, someone else would have been made chief minister, but he himself jumped into the race and became chief minister,” the CM said on Wednesday.
Eager to contest the seat, the former Shiv Sena (UBT) leader resigned as president of the Nashik district unit after the party appointed Waje. He had eventually withdrawn his nomination and opted to join the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has fielded Rajabhau Waje from Nashik, while spiritual leader Shantigiri Maharaj is fielding as an independent candidate.
“I have had discussions with Shantigiri Maharaj. I requested him to continue working in religious and spiritual fields rather than in political fields. I told him to give his blessings to politicians. In response, he said he would take a decision in this regard by consulting his people,” Shinde added.
The election for the Nashik parliamentary seat will be held in the final phase on May 20.
(With input from agencies)
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Published: May 9, 2024 5:32 PM IST