Nagpur: Contrary to political observations that the BJP is ring-fencing elected representatives to prevent cross-voting in the June 18 Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) by-election by sending them to Goa, Mahayuti candidate Rajiv Potdar on Saturday expressed confidence of a comfortable victory. He cited the alliance's overwhelming numerical strength in the Nagpur Local Authorities' Constituency behind the optimism.
Addressing the media, Potdar refuted allegations that the Goa trip amounted to resort politics. The by-election was necessitated after BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule vacated the MLC seat following his election to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from Kamptee. The seat remained vacant for a prolonged period as elections to several local bodies, including municipal councils and nagar panchayats, were pending, resulting in the absence of a complete electoral college.
Mahayuti's Numerical Strength
Potdar said the BJP and Mahayuti emerged stronger after the local body polls and now enjoy a commanding position among elected representatives across the district. According to him, the electoral college comprises 836 voters, including representatives from municipal corporations, municipal councils, nagar panchayats, and zilla parishads. He claimed the BJP has 504 voters on its own, while the Mahayuti's combined strength stands at 583. "The numbers are clearly in our favour," Potdar said.
Goa Trip Clarified
On the Goa trip, Potdar said the elected representatives would be attending a three-day training camp from June 15 to 17 and would bear their own expenses. The programme, he added, would focus on the BJP's ideology, organisational structure, history, census-related issues, and governance practices aimed at ensuring better development for citizens.
Potdar's Long Association with BJP
Potdar also highlighted his long association with the BJP, saying he worked from the booth level and accepted every organisational responsibility assigned to him. Though the MLC tenure would be only around 18 months, he said he would use the opportunity to strengthen the party organisation, assist elected representatives, and contribute to development works in the region. (Inputs by Vansh Jain)
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