Lakhani elected unopposed, gets MLC poll winner cert

Chandrapur: BJP nominee for legislative council (MLC) seat from Wardha-Chandrapur-Gadchiroli local authorities constituency, Arun Hanumant Lakhani, was declared unopposed winner and was formally presented with his certificate of election on Wednesday by district collector and returning officer Vasumana Pant at Chandrapur.Among those present on the occasion included MLAs Kishor Jorgewar, Deorao Bhongale and Karan Deotale. Lakhani is the to-be father-in-law of NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule's daughter. He secured uncontested victory after two other candidates in the race withdrew their nominations. The contest had initially featured Congress candidate Shailesh Agrawal and Independent candidate Sudhirchand Kothari.Agrawal had acknowledged Congress lacked numerical strength required to remain competitive in the election. He maintained that continuing in the contest would have only increased expenses and encouraged horse-trading, making withdrawal most practical decision under the circumstances.Agrawal had accused some Congress functionaries of betrayal and helping BJP. Following his withdrawal and anti party remarks, Congress had suspended him from the party.Observers view Lakhani's election as a setback for Congress in a constituency where representatives of local self-governing bodies play a decisive role. The outcome is also being seen as BJP's strong influence across Wardha, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts.