Nagpur: Maharashtra revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday launched a sharp attack on Congress amid speculation that over 60 corporators and councillors from eastern Vidarbha are "unreachable" ahead of the local self-government authorities (MLC) elections scheduled on June 18. The guardian minister said the grand old party should first locate them, instead of targeting rivals.
"Where Congress corporators have gone has nothing to do with us," he told reporters here, reacting to reports surrounding the alleged disappearance of a Congress municipal president from the legislative constituency of Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar.
Confidence in Mahayuti Victory
Expressing confidence over upcoming elections, the Kamptee MLA claimed the Mahayuti alliance held a clear numerical advantage in Nagpur. "Of nearly 800 votes in Nagpur, around 600 are with the BJP-led Mahayuti. The election will be one-sided and Mahayuti will win all 17 seats," he said.
Push for Unopposed Elections
Bawankule also indicated efforts would be made to ensure unopposed elections through discussions with political parties. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to reduce election expenditure, he said elections involved extensive travel, fuel consumption and campaign expenses. "If numbers are already clear, then elections should be unopposed," he said.
The minister added that BJP planned to hold discussions with senior politicians, including NCP founder Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on the issue.
MLC Poll Nominations and Seat-Sharing
On speculation surrounding MLC poll nominations, particularly of Nagpur-based businessman Arun Lakhani, Bawankule said BJP's proposed list was already forwarded to the party's central leadership in Delhi. He added any decision on former deputy CM Ajit Pawar's son Jay's candidature rested solely with NCP.
Speaking on seat-sharing within Mahayuti, the minister claimed consensus was reached on "99% seats," with only one seat yet to be finalised.
Criticism of Congress
Responding to Congress criticism of Modi as "Mehngai Man," the senior minister accused Congress of spreading negativity after losing public confidence.
Fuel Situation in Maharashtra
On concerns over fuel shortages in parts of Maharashtra, Bawankule said there was some panic among petrol pump operators, but the situation is under control after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a review meeting with district collectors.
