Uncertainty Looms in Maval as Shiv Sena MP Barne Meets Chief Minister Over Candidacy
Maval, 21st March 2024: As the initial phase of the Lok Sabha elections unfolds, the contention over Mahayuti’s candidate selection in Maval persists. Despite being the current MP representing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, Maval’s candidacy is still fiercely contested by allies BJP and NCP. Recently, MP Shrirang Barne engaged in discussions with the Chief Minister in Thane, further complicating the candidate picture within Mahayuti.
In the Maval Lok Sabha Constituency, the Mahayuti comprising BJP and NCP Congress allies has adopted an assertive stance from the outset. The candidacy of Shiv Sena’s MP, Shrirang Barne, faces strong opposition, notably from NCP MLA Sunil Shelke. Additionally, conflicting demands arise from the Pimpri-Chinchwad city NCP, pushing for the nomination of former corporator Bhausaheb Bhoir, while former BJP MLA Bala Bhegde expresses eagerness to contest. Tensions escalate as Bhegde’s supporters take a confrontational stance, vowing to boycott campaigning if Barne is nominated, with the threat of a significant NOTA vote surge.
Meanwhile, in the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency, Vijay Shivtare’s divergence from Mahayuti’s ideology prompts a warning from NCP, signaling a refusal to campaign for the Shiv Sena candidate in Maval. This internal discord within Mahayuti intensifies, leading to delays in finalizing the Maval constituency candidate selection. Shiv Sena’s MP Shrirang Barne, despite assurances of his candidacy, expresses dismay over the prolonged delay, leading to his meeting with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Thane to address the issue. While Shiv Sena asserts Barane’s inevitable candidacy, uncertainty looms among party workers due to the delayed announcement.
Within the Maha Vikas Aghadi Coalition, the Maval Lok Sabha constituency is slated to be allocated to the Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena. Uddhav Thackeray has named Sanjog Waghere as the candidate, who has already commenced constituency engagements, taking an early lead in the campaign efforts.
