Pote Files Nomination for Legislative Council from BJP Amid Rana Couple's Absence BJP candidate Pravin Pote Patil filed his nomination for the Legislative Council election from the Amravati Local Authorities Constituency on Monday, appearing in the presence of revenue minister and district guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, along with senior officials from Mahayuti allies Shiv Sena and NCP. However, the absence of MLA Ravi Rana and former MP Navneet Rana during the event sparked speculation about internal tensions within the ruling alliance. The Yuva Swabhiman Party, led by the Rana couple, is a key constituent of Mahayuti. Pote’s supporters had anticipated Ravi Rana’s attendance, but sources indicated he left for Delhi after participating in a Shiv Parivar programme, while Navneet Rana is also in Delhi. Their absence fueled rumors that the couple had opposed Pote’s candidature. Responding to the speculation, Bawankule dismissed suggestions of a rift, stating he had spoken to Ravi Rana that morning. He emphasized that both Rana and Navneet Rana were out of town and assured that, despite local differences, they would remain committed to Mahayuti. Bawankule also mentioned he would personally engage with them upon their return. Pote, seeking to project unity within the alliance, claimed there was no discord in Mahayuti and expressed confidence in securing a record victory. Contesting from the constituency for the third time, Pote highlighted his strong support among local body representatives and anticipated backing beyond party lines. His candidature was finalized by the BJP on Sunday night, with the nomination filing initially scheduled for May 29 but deferred to Monday.#chandrashekhar_bawankule #navneet_rana #mahayuti #pravin_pote_patil #ravi_rana
BJP Cadre Pushes Aggressive Electoral Strategy in Vidarbha Ahead of Council Elections As the political landscape in Maharashtra continues to shift, BJP functionaries in Vidarbha have intensified efforts to secure a strong electoral position ahead of the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections. The region, known for its significant BJP presence, is now at the center of strategic planning as the party seeks to counter potential challenges from alliance partners within the Mahayuti coalition. District-level BJP leaders have conveyed a clear directive to the party’s central leadership in Nagpur, emphasizing the need to contest the polls with confidence rather than being caught off guard by last-minute seat-sharing demands from allies. The focus of this strategy is rooted in the party’s existing dominance in local governance structures. Senior BJP functionaries highlighted that the party’s stronghold in municipal corporations, zilla parishads, and other local bodies provides a distinct advantage in most Vidarbha constituencies. This organizational strength is seen as a critical asset in the upcoming elections, which are expected to serve as a barometer of the party’s grassroots influence. However, concerns remain about the potential for internal competition within the ruling alliance, particularly with Shiv Sena, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, attempting to expand its footprint in the region. Party insiders have expressed worries that Shiv Sena may seek to negotiate for seats in the council polls, especially in constituencies where the BJP has historically held sway. This perceived threat has prompted BJP leaders to stress the importance of maintaining a proactive approach. A local BJP functionary noted that the organization’s strength in Vidarbha should not be undermined by defensive tactics.#bjp #shiv_sena #eknath_shinde #mahayuti #nagpur_local_authorities
₹5 lakh-₹15 lakh offer for cross-voting? Wadettiwar alleges Mahayuti trying to buy’ MLC polls Congress legislature party member Vijay Wadettiwar accused the BJP of offering financial incentives to Congress corporators and councillors for cross-voting in upcoming local self-governance elections (MLC) in Maharashtra. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Wadettiwar claimed the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance was attempting to manipulate election outcomes by providing sums ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹15 lakh to influence Opposition representatives. He alleged that some corporators had already received "token amounts" of ₹5 lakh, while others were being offered higher sums, with rates allegedly climbing to ₹15 lakh. Wadettiwar warned that the elections were being fought with "money power," with elected representatives being lured by cash offers. He criticized the erosion of democracy, stating that if industrialists and contractors decided who would become public representatives, the system would collapse. The former Lok Sabha speaker also accused the Mahayuti alliance of destabilizing Opposition parties through covert operations, claiming over 100 BJP corporators were in contact with Congress, though he emphasized that final decisions would depend on "political circumstances and party strategy." The MLA warned of strict enforcement of anti-defection laws against any party members who violated the party whip during the elections. He linked the alleged political maneuvering to public frustration over inflation and fuel price hikes, launching a sharp attack on the Centre. Wadettiwar accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of prioritizing economic policies influenced by global geopolitical pressures, citing rising fuel prices despite international crude oil declines. He highlighted that fuel prices in India had surged by ₹7.#nagpur #maharashtra #bjp #vijay_wadettiwar #mahayuti
BJP Has Advantage in Nagpur MLC Bypoll Nagpur: The bypoll for the Nagpur local authorities constituency of Maharashtra Legislative Council has become a significant internal contest within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with the Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and National Congress Party (NCP)—holding a clear numerical edge. This has placed the opposition in a disadvantaged position even before the nomination process begins. The seat became vacant after Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule resigned from the Legislative Council following his victory in the Kamptee Assembly constituency in the 2024 elections. The Election Commission announced the bypoll schedule on Monday, sparking intense lobbying within the BJP over who will represent the alliance. Among the names circulating within the party are state spokesperson Dr. Rajiv Potdar, corporator Virendra Kukreja, former mayor Anil Sole, and city president Dayashankar Tiwari, according to BJP officials. However, party insiders suggest that the BJP’s history of making last-minute surprises in Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council selections has led to speculation that an entirely new candidate could emerge at the final moment. According to BJP sources, the electoral arithmetic strongly favors the ruling alliance. Out of the total 896 voters in the constituency, only 826 are effectively eligible due to vacancies in Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis. The BJP alone commands 520 votes, accounting for nearly 63% of the effective strength. Adding the 30 votes from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and nine members from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, the Mahayuti tally rises to 559 votes. The nomination process will continue until June 1, with BJP leaders indicating that behind-the-scenes negotiations are still ongoing.#nagpur #bjp #chandrashekhar_bawankule #mahayuti #rajiv_potdar
