Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The upcoming MLC election for the Aurangabad-cum-Jalna Local Authorities constituency witnessed a major twist on Monday when Shiv Sena Sillod MLA Abdul Sattar fielded his son Sameer as a candidate. This move challenges the seat-sharing agreement within the Mahayuti alliance, where the seat was allocated to the BJP. The BJP has named district president Suhas Shirsath as its candidate. Sattar's rebellion threatens to deepen the rift between the two ruling parties.
Sattar's Accusations Against BJP
Speaking to reporters after his son purchased the nomination form, Sattar criticized the BJP, stating, "Today's situation created by BJP is like slow-poisoning for Shiv Sena. They want to eliminate Sena and are conquering our bastions one by one. We have to act now to secure the future." He also targeted BJP minister Atul Save for allegedly failing to provide funds to the Sillod municipal council, which is controlled by Shiv Sena.
BJP Minister Responds
Reacting to the development, Minister Atul Save said that Sattar's rebellion indicates he is not following the party line and is defying orders of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. "The decision to offer the Aurangabad-cum-Jalna Local Authorities constituency to BJP was taken after discussions between the Chief Minister and the two Deputy Chief Ministers. Sattar should talk with DCM Shinde instead of blaming us," Save stated. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is June 4, and all eyes are on Sattar to see if he will contest against the BJP.
MVA Candidate in the Fray
On the Maha Vikas Aghadi front, Devyani Dongaonkar of Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest the poll for the Aurangabad-cum-Jalna constituency. Although the numbers may not be in her favor, Dongaonkar, a former Zilla Parishad president of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, is expected to gain political mileage by being in the race for the MLC post.
Other Constituencies
For the Parbhani-cum-Hingoli Local Authorities constituency, a direct fight is expected between two factions of Shiv Sena. The faction led by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde has fielded Saeed Khan, while Shiv Sena (UBT) has named Vivek Navandar as the MVA candidate.
In the Nanded Local Authorities constituency, the BJP has fielded sitting MLC Amarnath Rajurkar. Considered a close confidant of Rajya Sabha member Ashok Chavan, Rajurkar joined BJP along with Chavan and is expected to secure another term in the upper house. He will face Congress candidate Ramdas Patil.
The BJP has also fielded Basavraj Patil for the Osmanabad-cum-Latur-cum-Beed Local Authorities constituency. A former minister, Patil left Congress and joined BJP in February 2024. He will take on Congress candidate Mahesh Deshmukh.
Schedule
The MLC polls are scheduled for June 18, with counting of votes on June 22, as per the official schedule.
