Daijiworld Media Network - Rahuri

Rahuri, Apr 6: The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) on Monday announced Govind Mokate as its candidate for the Rahuri Assembly bypoll, in a development that has caused discomfort within the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

The decision follows the sudden withdrawal of former minister Prajakt Tanpure, who was widely seen as the party’s likely candidate. Tanpure reportedly backed out after meeting Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan, triggering speculation and political controversy.

The bypoll in Rahuri Assembly constituency, located in Ahilyanagar district, was necessitated following the death of BJP MLA Shivajirao Kardile, who had defeated Tanpure in the 2024 Assembly elections.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded Kardile’s son, Akshay Kardile, who filed his nomination in the presence of senior leaders including Ravindra Chavan and minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil.

Announcing the candidature, state NCP (SP) president Shashikant Shinde said all MVA allies have backed Govind Mokate and expressed confidence in securing victory. He added that Tanpure had earlier indicated reluctance to contest and ultimately opted out despite pressure from party workers.

Reports suggest that Tanpure’s decision followed high-level outreach from BJP leaders, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis—currently on a campaign tour—personally assuring him that development concerns of the constituency would be addressed.

Tanpure’s recent social media activity and alleged interest in a BJP ticket had already fueled speculation about a possible political shift. On the final day of nominations, he reportedly went incommunicado, prompting urgent deliberations within the NCP (SP), which culminated in Mokate’s selection.

Meanwhile, the Congress had indicated its readiness to contest the seat if the NCP (SP) opted out, adding to the uncertainty within the opposition camp before the final decision was made.