Politics

Eknath Shinde Rushes to Nashik to Resolve Mahayuti Differences

MUMBAI: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde believes that the Nashik Lok Sabha seat issues are still developing quickly. Hemant Godse, the current MP, is running an election campaign. Still, Shinde has to travel to Nashik on Wednesday due to internal strife within the Shiv Sena and disagreements with coalition partners like the NCP. In an attempt to appease them and refocus the campaign, the chief minister met with leaders of the local parties. At Shinde’s request, Godse also met with NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal and asked for his cooperation to try to stop more harm from being done to the party’s chances. Maratha community members like Godse and OBC voters are influenced by Bhujbal. Godse was assured of Bhujbal’s assistance. He declared, “I will be there whenever you call me for a campaign meeting.”

The BJP opposed Godse’s candidacy and tried to give the seat to the NCP, which is led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. As a result, the Nashik Lok Sabha seat has been a point of dispute in the Mahayuti. In addition to indicating that the BJP high command wanted him to run based on “winnability,” Bhujbal had declared his intention to run from Nashik. Reluctant to give up, Shinde engaged in protracted discussions with his supporters and ultimately managed to hold onto the seat. Rajabhau Waje, a Nashik native, has been fielded by the Shiv Sena (UBT).

Godse’s renomination infuriated Shiv Sena district chairman Ajay Boraste, who was also vying for the Nashik seat, and his supporters withdrew from the campaign. Even when Godse began his campaign, the BJP and the NCP—partners in the Sena’s alliance—refused to participate. Just 12 days remained for the campaign, so Godse asked Shinde to step in. On Wednesday afternoon, Shinde traveled to Nashik to address the problems.

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Vijay Karanjkar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) dissident, was persuaded to drop out of the race by the chief minister during his visit since his support would have divided votes from both of the other contenders. Throughout the discussion on Wednesday, Boraste was also reassured several times. “Now Vijay Karanjkar, along with his supporters, has joined us and strengthened our party,” Shinde said during the gathering, praising Karanjkar and Boraste. MP Godse’s win may be guaranteed by Ajay Boraste and Karanjkar.