MLC elections: Rebels agree to withdraw names, clearing way for official Mahayuti nominees

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Shiv Sena MLA Abdul Sattar on Wednesday indicated that he was ready to withdraw the nomination filed by his son for the Aurangabad-cum-Jalna local authorities constituency election. Other rebel candidates, including Sena MLA Mahendra Dalvi’s daughter (Raigad/Konkan) and BJP’s Ganesh Gite and Gokul Gite in Nashik, have also agreed to withdraw, clearing the way for official Mahayuti nominees.

The final Mahayuti list comprises 11 BJP candidates, four from Shiv Sena and two from NCP. Key rebel contenders such as Viplav Bajoria, Reshma Kale, Deepak Dhande and Tanaji Patil have also stepped down, ensuring a unified front for the alliance in the upcoming legislative council polls.

Sattar had met deputy CM Eknath Shinde on Tuesday, expressing strong displeasure over BJP’s alleged dominance in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. “I will speak with my party workers tomorrow (Thursday) and ask them to take back the nomination papers. It is important to take them into confidence to avoid resentment,” the Sillod MLA said while speaking to the media in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Sattar said he also spoke to CM Devendra Fadnavis over the phone.

Shinde confirmed in Mumbai that Sattar’s son would withdraw his nomination by Thursday, the last date for withdrawal. “We are contesting all 17 MLC seats as Mahayuti,” he said.

Sattar sparked a controversy with his remarks calling for the merger of both Shiv Sena factions to curb BJP’s growing influence and protect his party. He, however, clarified on Wednesday that his grievances were limited to local BJP leaders in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. “There are no differences with BJP at the state level. We firmly stand with them in the state and the country. BJP is the elder brother in the alliance, while Shiv Sena and NCP are the younger brothers. There will be no rift because of us,” he said.

He, however, flagged concerns over BJP’s increasing control in Sambhajinagar district. “All three parties in Mahayuti worked hard to form govt in the state, but now BJP is dominating the local administration. This will be discussed by the CM and deputy CM,” Sattar said.

The Aurangabad-cum-Jalna seat has already been allocated to BJP under the alliance’s seat-sharing pact, with district president Suhas Shirsath named as the official candidate. Sattar’s son Sameer had entered the fray in what was seen as a sign of rebellion, temporarily straining ties between the two allies.

On the opposition side, Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Devyani Dongaonkar for the seat, which was won by the undivided Sena in the previous election.

In a broader damage-control exercise, several rebel candidates across the state have withdrawn from the MLC race after intervention by senior Mahayuti politicians. State BJP president Ravindra Chavan, NCP leader Sunil Tatkare and Shiv Sena’s Rahul Shewale jointly announced the alliance’s final list of candidates for all 17 seats.