Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (SHP)
Mumbai, Oct 3: Deepak Nikalje, brother of underworld gangster Chhota Rajan has been given a ticket by BJP-Shiv Sena ally The Republican Party of India (Athawale). Nikalje will be running from Phaltan Assembly constituency in Western Maharashtra.
The announcement of the candidates was done on Wednesday by the party leader Union Minister Ramdas Athawale. As an ally they received six seats as part of the seat-sharing deal between BJP-Shiv Sena and other minor allies for the Oct 21 Maharashtra Assembly election.
According to one of the party official, Nikalje has been part of the Republican party for a long time. In the past, he lost campaigns when he fielded from Chembur in Mumbai. This time around he expressed willingness to fight the election from Phaltan since he belongs to that area and has a good network there.