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The wave of rebellion has raised concerns about its impact on the BJP-Shinde Mahayuti, particularly in key constituencies like Borivali, Mumbadevi, and Akola West, where influential BJP leaders are now charting their own course
The defection and dissent by senior leaders in these constituencies have raised questions about BJP’s candidate-selection process. (PTI)
BJP is facing intense internal dissent in the run-up to the high-stakes assembly elections in Maharashtra as several senior leaders, who have been denied tickets, have announced their decision to run as independent candidates.
This wave of rebellion has raised concerns about its impact on the BJP-Shinde Mahayuti (grand alliance), particularly in key constituencies like Borivali, Mumbadevi, and Akola West, where influential BJP leaders are now charting their own course.
Gopal Shetty, a prominent BJP leader from Mumbai who had been eyeing the Borivali assembly constituency, has openly expressed his dissatisfaction. Following the party’s decision to field Sanjay Upadhyay from Borivali, Shetty has decided to contest as an independent candidate. Senior BJP leader Ashish Shelar met Shetty late on Monday in an attempt to defuse the situation, but sources indicate Shetty is steadfast in his decision to run.
In yet another significant development in the Mumbadevi constituency, Shaina NC, a long-standing BJP leader, was unexpectedly announced as the official candidate on behalf of the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena.
Shaina had originally sought to contest from the Worli constituency as a BJP candidate, but the party decided to assign her to Mumbadevi, sparking surprise across political circles. Within hours, Shaina joined the Shiv Sena Shinde faction to align with her new ticket and she will now compete against Congress’s Amin Patel in what promises to be a highly watched race. However, BJP’s Atul Shah, disappointed by Shaina’s selection, has declared his intention to run as an independent. If he proceeds, Shaina may face an additional challenge from Shah, which could dilute the Mahayuti vote in this constituency.
Adding to the Mahayuti’s challenges is the Bandra East constituency where Ajit Pawar-led NCP has nominated Zeeshan Siddiqui. Displeased with the ticket allocation, Shiv Sena Shinde faction leader Kunal Sarmalkar has announced his intention to contest independently from the constituency, putting additional strain on the alliance’s unity.
In Akola West, BJP is facing a setback as senior leader and former municipal council chairman Harish Alimchandani has also announced his candidacy as an independent. The party had chosen former mayor Vijay Agarwal as its candidate, which Alimchandani, with 28 years in Akola’s civic politics, reportedly perceived as an affront to his experience and loyalty.
Adding to the drama, Ashok Olambe, former BJP city president and now a Pramod Mahajan branch member, has also resigned and is expected to file his nomination with the Prahar Janshakti Party.
The defection and dissent by senior leaders in these constituencies have raised questions about BJP’s candidate selection process, and party insiders worry that these independent runs could split the Mahayuti vote, ultimately benefiting the Opposition.
The BJP leadership is working to contain the fallout, but with senior figures holding firm in their decisions to contest independently, the path forward for the alliance is fraught with challenges.
