Satara got strongest pick of MVA, says Chavan

Kolhapur: Congress MLA and former chief minister of Maharashtra Prithviraj Chavan said Sharad Pawar had fielded the alliance’s strongest candidate, NCP’s (SCP) Shashikant Shinde, from Satara and the party would take a lead to ensure defeat of the Mahayuti nominee.

Chavan’s name was doing the rounds for the last few days as a candidate for the Satara LS seat. At present, he is an MLA from Karad South. He was among the senior-most MVA leaders in Satara. However, he declined candidature on the NCP (SCP) symbol.

He had suggested that Sharad Pawar field a strong candidate to defeat the Mahayuti nominee.

Mahayuti was expected to allot the seat to BJP and Udayanraje Bhonsle, who had started his campaign, could get the ticket.

He told TOI, “Pawar has fielded his strongest candidate — Shinde. We are in support of him. Congress will lead the MVA win in Satara, which has always nurtured the progressive thought of Yashwantrao Chavan. We will not allow the seat to go into the hands of forces opposing the belief.” Chavan said it would be a battle of ideologies in Satara.

Meanwhile, Shinde reached Satara on Thursday. He received a rousing welcome from MVA supporters while on his way to Karad, where he paid his respects at the memorial of Yashwantrao Chavan.

Shinde told reporters, “I am not here to challenge Udayanraje. Our fight is not against any individual, but to ensure a change in India’s political situation.”

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