The final day for filing nominations for the MLC elections in North Maharashtra turned into a high-stakes political drama. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) failed to field official candidates in Nashik and Ahilyanagar, while internal friction and unexpected alliances reshaped the contest across the region.
Nashik: Shiv Sena Secures Nomination
In Nashik, the Shiv Sena successfully secured the Mahayuti nomination for sitting MLC Narendra Darade, sidelining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This marked a second political embarrassment for Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, following the government's reversal on his appointment as Nashik’s guardian minister due to Shiv Sena pressure.
Adding a twist to the race, former Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) standing committee chairman Ganesh Gite filed his nomination as an independent after the seat went to the Sena. His younger brother, Gokul Gite, also entered the fray independently.
“I am contesting as an independent. In Nashik, the candidate with maximum support has lost elections, and that makes me confident of winning,” Gokul Gite said while dismissing rumors of covert MVA backing.
Ahilyanagar: Mahayuti Averts Rebellion
In Ahilyanagar, the ruling Mahayuti averted a potential internal rebellion. The BJP secured the candidature of Prajakt Tanpure — a former NCP (SP) leader and nephew of Jayant Patil — who officially joined the saffron party just a day prior. Tanpure had recently cleared the path for BJP’s Akshay Kardile in the Rahuri bypolls.
Jalgaon: BJP Secures Seat Amid Speculation
In Jalgaon, the BJP secured the Mahayuti seat after a month-long tug-of-war with the Shiv Sena. Nandkishore Mahajan filed his official nomination on Monday, but the conspicuous absence of Shiv Sena district guardian minister Gulabrao Patil and his supporters triggered intense speculation about an internal rift.
