Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar : Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat on Thursday announced that his party will withdraw support to NCP candidate Satish Chavan in the Aurangabad Graduates Constituency election, citing alleged cross-voting by NCP politicians in the Amravati Division Teachers Constituency contest.
Sena’s decision could hurt the prospects of Chavan, a three-term sitting MLC who has represented the constituency since 2008. A total of 41 candidates, including 33 Independents, remain in the fray for the Oct 23 polling. Stay updated with the latest Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar news.
This is not in keeping with the principles of alliance,” Shirsat said. The move follows allegations that NCP MLC Sanjay Khodke and MLA Sulbha Khodke have openly backed Vidarbha Madhyamik Shikshak Sangh candidate Dilip Kadu against sitting MLC Kiran Sarnaik, the Shiv Sena nominee in the Amravati seat. “It is our clear stand that we will not support NCP candidate Satish Chavan. they are fielding a candidate against our candidate While we are extending our support and toiling hard for his victory. There was no immediate reaction from the Chavan camp till Thursday evening. The Aurangabad Graduates Constituency election is already witnessing a three-cornered contest between Chavan, Pratapsinh Patil of NCP (SP) and Dilip Ghuge of Shiv Sena (UBT). The MVA, too, is grappling with internal differences, with Ghuge staying in the race despite senior NCP functionaries indicating that he would withdraw. With campaigning gathering pace, the contest is increasingly shaping up as a battle between rival NCP factions for political legacy in the constituency. Download the TOI App.