Jitendra Awhad, a senior leader of the Sharad Pawar faction within the NCP, has stirred the political landscape in Maharashtra with his assertion that the BJP is contemplating contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha polls without its allies – the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde and the NCP led by Ajit Pawar. Awhad’s statement follows a meeting between BJP MLAs and the Shinde camp, held at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur during the Winter Session of the Maharashtra Legislature, aiming to strengthen ties ahead of elections.
In a social media post, Awhad shared his insights, stating, “After the end of the winter session in Nagpur, some shocking political talks have begun (in the state). The RSS and the BJP (functionaries) held an ideological meeting at Nagpur, in which the possible political scenario in Maharashtra after the assembly polls in three states was discussed. It was decided that the BJP should contest alone in Maharashtra without taking along those who are tainted with corruption charges.”
Awhad, emphasizing the potential political shift, commented, “One who understands politics will easily come to know that the BJP will fight separately. Those who want to come with the BJP will be asked to contest on the lotus symbol. You cannot tell what is going to happen next in Maharashtra.”Sources indicate that the BJP, buoyed by its significant victories in recent assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, is considering a solo electoral venture in Maharashtra. The party believes it can secure victory independently. While the Shinde faction MPs have proposed contesting the Lok Sabha polls under the lotus symbol, the BJP has yet to confirm its endorsement of the suggestion.
