BJP rebels unsettle Sena in Nashik MLC poll; Uday Samant steps in

Nashik: State industry minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant on Wednesday rushed to Nashik as the party faced a challenge from BJP rebels ahead of the June 18 Nashik MLC polls.In the Mahayuti alliance, the Nashik MLC seat has been allotted to Shiv Sena. However, BJP rebel Ganesh Gite, former chairman of the municipal corporation’s standing committee, and his brother Gokul Gite have filed nominations and remain firm on contesting the polls. NCP leaders Gorakh Bodke and Vishnupant Mhaisdhune have also entered the fray.Shiv Sena has initiated efforts to persuade rebel candidates from BJP and NCP to withdraw their nominations, with the last date for withdrawal set at 3 pm on June 4.Speaking to reporters during his visit, Samant said he had held discussions with minister Girish Mahajan regarding the BJP rebels. Mahajan has assured that he would convince Ganesh and Gokul Gite to withdraw their nominations.Samant expressed confidence that Shiv Sena’s candidate Narendra Darade would win the election. He is also expected to meet Gokul Gite later in the night to persuade him to withdraw his nomination.Meanwhile, both Ganesh and Gokul Gite have remained firm on contesting the June 18 polls. The deadline for withdrawal of nominations is June 4.Ganesh Gite said he would take a decision after consulting leader Girish Mahajan, but added that either he or his brother would remain in the fray. “I may withdraw under party pressure, but Gokul Gite has been preparing for the election for the past one year and has filed his nomination as an independent. One of us will stay in the race,” he said.Gokul Gite reiterated that he would not withdraw and contest the polls. He alleged dissatisfaction within the party over Shiv Sena candidate Narendra Darade, claiming Darade had remained out of touch with party workers over the past eight years and focused on personal interests during his previous tenure as MLC. He also claimed that sections within the BJP were unhappy with Darade’s candidature.Girish Mahajan said Ganesh Gite is a party worker and expressed confidence that he could be convinced to withdraw. Mahajan also said the Mahayuti alliance is hopeful of winning all 17 MLC seats in the state.