Pune: BJP and NCP Clash Over Maval Seat; Sunil Shelke Responds to Bala Bhegade’s Claims

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande

Maval, 30th July 2024: As the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections approach, both the Mahayuti and Mahavikas Aghadi alliances are making claims and staking their positions in various constituencies. In Mahayuti, there are numerous claims across Maharashtra, with only a few seats where candidates are nearly confirmed.

The Maval Constituency, currently represented by Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Sunil Shelke, is now being claimed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). A rally has been organized for August 2nd in support of this claim, leading to disappointment from Maval MLA Sunil Shelke.

Former BJP Minister Bala Bhegade has asserted that the next MLA from Maval will be elected under the Lotus (BJP) symbol. In response, MLA Sunil Shelke has expressed his disappointment, stating that such claims are not appropriate.

“BJP’s Doubt on NCP Not Right” – Sunil Shelke

Sunil Shelke said, “If the BJP is making a claim here and questioning the NCP’s Maval Lok Sabha campaign, then it is not right. The party that currently holds the MLA position in a constituency should be allowed to contest it, as per the basic formula decided in Mahayuti. Despite this, former Minister Bala Bhegade is claiming that the next MLA from Maval will be from the BJP and has planned a rally for 2nd August. However, the Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers will make the final decisions regarding this.”

Shelke continued, “In the Maval Lok Sabha elections, the NCP adhered to Mahayuti’s principles. However, the BJP’s doubts and insistence regarding it are not appropriate. There is nothing wrong with wanting to contest elections, as everyone has ambitions, and I wish them all the best. But am I determined to fight in the upcoming assembly elections? I will seek the people’s decision on this. Furthermore, I am open to attending the BJP meeting on 2nd August.” By saying this, Shelke has created significant confusion regarding his position.

“Maval A Stronghold of BJP” – Bala Bhegade

Bala Bhegade said, “Looking at the history of Maval taluka, Rambhau Mhalgi represented Maval taluka through Bharatiya Jana Sangh from the Maval Assembly in 1957. From 1957 to 2024, MLAs from Bharatiya Jana Sangh and BJP have been elected by the people the most times. Maval taluka is known for electing representatives based on the strength of the organization. Therefore, we are going to strongly urge our leaders to secure the Maval constituency, which is a traditional stronghold of the BJP.”

Bala Bhegade also stated, “Conflict is not an issue. What did we do after the decision of Mahayuti? Everyone saw this in the Lok Sabha elections. Mahayuti is everything for us. Maval is a BJP stronghold, as proven by many past elections. Once again, we will strive to win this seat for the BJP with the support of our workers in the Maval Constituency and the blessings of the people.”