Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 29: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday night announced its list of candidates for the Legislative Council elections, with the announcement made by party general secretary Arun Singh. The list reflects the party’s emphasis on rewarding loyal and long-serving members. Elections for nine regular seats and one by-election seat are scheduled for May 12.
As expected, Pragya Satav has been named as the party’s candidate for the by-election. Satav had resigned from her Legislative Council membership upon joining the BJP from the Congress. With this nomination, she is set to secure a term extending till 2030.
Of the nine seats falling vacant on May 13, the BJP is in a position to win five based on its numerical strength. Accordingly, the party has announced five candidates: Sunil Karjatkar, Madhavi Naik, Sanjay Bhende, Vivek Kolhe and Pramod Jathar. Except for Kolhe, all the candidates have been associated with the party organisation for a long time, indicating the BJP’s preference for experienced and loyal workers while also maintaining regional balance.
Among the nominees, Karjatkar is regarded as a dedicated worker since the days of the Jana Sangh and was a close associate of the late Gopinath Munde. Dr Madhavi Naik from Thane has held several key roles in the party’s women’s wing. Nagpur-based Sanjay Bhende is known as a seasoned leader who has played a key role in coordination within the Sangh Parivar and the BJP, working closely with Nitin Gadkari and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Pramod Jathar, who contributed significantly to the party’s recent gains in the Konkan region, has also been entrusted with this responsibility, a move seen as an indirect signal to the Rane family. Meanwhile, Vivek Vipin Kolhe, grandson of Shankarrao Kolhe, comes from a political background, with his mother Snehalata Kolhe being a former MLA. His candidature is expected to strengthen the party in Ahilyanagar district.
Meanwhile, other parties are yet to announce their candidates. There is speculation that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) may reach a consensus on Uddhav Thackeray as a candidate. The Shiv Sena is likely to field two candidates, while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) may nominate one. However, no official announcements have been made so far.
Within the Shiv Sena, Neelam Gorhe is reportedly keen on re-election, though there is some internal opposition. In the NCP, there is a growing opinion in favour of Jay Pawar contesting, though some leaders are lobbying for the son of a former MP and industrialist.
Attention is now focused on the announcements from other parties. Senior BJP leaders are reportedly keen on ensuring an unopposed election. However, if the MVA fields Uddhav Thackeray, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) may consider putting up a third candidate, adding a competitive edge to the contest.