The MLC polls in the Bhandara-Gondia constituency have ignited a political storm, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) relocating some of its councillors to a secured location on Friday. This move came a day after the Congress party alleged that investigative agencies were pressuring its candidates to withdraw from the election.
Congress Alleges Intimidation
Sakoli MLA Nana Patole claimed on Thursday that two of the three Congress nominees, Praful Agrawal and Dilip Bansod, were forced to withdraw due to intimidation. However, the third candidate, Naresh Ishwarkar, refused to back down. Congress criticized the BJP for engaging in what it termed as 'resort politics', a practice where parties sequester their legislators in a secure location to prevent the opposition from poaching them, even when they have the numbers.
BJP's Response
BJP MLC Parinay Fuke, who is overseeing the strategy and logistics for the constituency, defended the relocation. He said, "Why should we not take them away for a trip? A marriage is happening so the 'baarat' has to go." Fuke dismissed the allegations of intimidation against Congress candidates and turned the accusation around. Speaking to TOI, he stated, "It was Patole who asked Bansod to withdraw because he feared defeat, hence it is shocking we are being blamed for this. Also, I would like to ask Patole why his candidates withdrew if they are innocent. If one has not done anything wrong, why does it matter who is trying to intimidate you."
Fuke's Confidence in Victory
Fuke, who previously represented the same constituency as an MLC and was later re-elected through the MLAs constituency, expressed confidence in the Mahayuti's prospects. He said, "My tenure ends in 2030, hence I wanted a dedicated BJP member to take over in Bhandara-Gondia. Our candidate Avinash Brahmankar will win hands down." Known as a backroom poll strategist, Fuke asserted that the votes are in their favor this time. "We have guaranteed 321 votes of 457, so there is nothing to fear. When I contested from this constituency a long time back, we just had about 100 votes and yet I managed to win," he added.
