2,938 candidates withdraw nominations, major fight continues in Mahim, Mankhurd and other constituencies

Mumbai: Leaders of the ruling Grand Alliance have successfully convinced most of the rebels to withdraw their nominations for this month's assembly elections. However, some remain in the race, posing a potential threat to the alliance in several constituencies.

Saravankar remained adamant

After MNS chief Raj Thackeray refused to meet Sada Sarvankar, the Shiv Sena candidate decided to go ahead with his candidature for Mahim constituency. This sets the stage for a tough three-way contest in Mahim. Saravankar expressed disappointment over Thackeray's refusal to meet him. “MVA will benefit from the dispute between MNS and Shiv Sena,” Saravankar said.

Mahim assembly seat was in the news for the last few days due to the political debut of Amit Thackeray, son of MNS chief Raj Thackeray. Shinde had announced the name of Sada Sarvankar and the UBT had announced the name of its loyalist Mahesh Sawant as its candidate from the constituency. Subsequently, Raj Thackeray held a meeting with Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis to secure the seat for his son and the BJP decided to extend unconditional support to MNS as it had supported Mahayuti during the Lok Sabha elections.

Malik is adamant in Mankhurd

In Mankhurd constituency, NCP candidate Nawab Malik is firm on his decision to contest the elections despite criticism from the BJP. BJP has accused him of alleged links with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. On Sunday, Malik said his party chief Ajit Pawar stands firmly with him and he is not worried about criticism from other parties. He said that he does not want nor does he want any support from the BJP.

Shetty announces comeback

Senior leader and former MP Gopal Shetty, who had filed nomination as an independent after being denied ticket by the BJP, announced withdrawal of his candidature from Mumbai's Borivali assembly seat. BJP has made Sanjay Upadhyay its candidate from Borivali. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Shetty said, “I am withdrawing my nomination.” My objection was to the working style of BJP where decisions were taken without consulting party workers like me. The party was continuously nominating candidates from outside for the assembly elections, and it was believed that this was being done in consultation with me.

Fight between Army and BJP in Belapur, Airoli

In the upcoming elections, Shiv Sena candidate Vijay Nahta will face BJP candidate Manda Mhatre in Belapur. Former bureaucrat Nahata was expected to contest from Navi Mumbai on a Shiv Sena ticket, but the BJP reserved both Airoli and Belapur seats for its candidates. Another Army rebel Vijay Chougule will contest against BJP candidate Ganesh Naik from Airoli constituency.

Relief for BJP in Andheri

Another BJP rebel from Andheri East Assembly constituency, Sankveena Sharma, has announced withdrawal of her nomination. Swekruti is the wife of encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma, who is currently jailed in the Mansukh Hiren murder case related to the Antilia bomb threat incident. She had joined Shiv Sena a few months ago and had initially claimed the Andheri East seat; However, BJP fielded its loyal candidate Murji Patel.

Rebel for Vikhe Patil

BJP rebel Dr Rajendra Pipada has decided to contest against BJP candidate and Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil from Shirdi constituency. Despite Piyapara remaining adamant on his decision, Devendra Fadnavis sent a special chartered plane and called him to Mumbai for discussion.

Army candidates withdrew their names: Nashik

Two Shiv Sena candidates from Nashik, to whom CM Eknath Shinde had sent AB forms via helicopter, withdrew their candidature on Monday. Shinde had fielded Rajshree Aherrao against NCP (AP) candidate Saroj Aher in Deolali constituency and Dhanraj Mahale against Narhari Zirwal in Dindori constituency.

Sameer Bhujbal 'Bhaymukt'

Sameer Bhujbal, who left NCP to contest against Shiv Sena candidate Suhas Kande from Nandgaon constituency, remained adamant despite efforts by NCP to persuade him. They announced the tagline “Bhaymukt Nandgaon”.

2,938 withdrew nomination

Apart from these candidates, NCP rebel Nana Kate from Chinchwad, BJP rebel Vishwajit Gaikwad from Latur, BJP rebel Vijayraj Shinde from Buldhana, BJP rebel Kishore Samudre from Nagpur Central, NCP rebel Sujit Jaware-Patil from Parner, BJP from Parner Rebel Prashant Lokhande of Shrirampur, Pratibha Pachpute of BJP from Shrigonda, Shiv Sena candidate Avinash Rane of Anushakti Nagar withdrew their nominations.

A total of 2,938 candidates have withdrawn their nominations till Monday, the last day for withdrawal of nominations. Now, there are 4,140 candidates who will eventually contest the assembly elections. Initially 7,078 candidates had submitted forms.