Maharashtra Election 2024 / 45 rebels withdrew their names in Maharashtra, 10-10 candidates of BJP and INC withdrew

Maharashtra Election 2024: The time for Maharashtra assembly elections is approaching and political fervor is at its peak in the state. Rebel candidates had increased the headache for both the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi alliances, but on the last day of withdrawal of nominations, these alliances got some relief. On Monday, 45 rebel candidates withdrew their nominations, which can strengthen the alliance parties.

Rebels calmed down due to the intervention of big leaders

Big leaders of both the alliances made serious efforts to persuade the rebels. 10-10 rebel candidates of BJP and Congress, 8 of Eknath Shinde faction's Shiv Sena, and 6 of Ajit Pawar faction's NCP withdrew their names. At the same time, 7 rebel candidates of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena-UBT and 4 rebel candidates of Sharad Pawar faction's NCP-SP also withdrew from the fray. All of them were given a strong message by the party leadership that if they do not withdraw their nominations, disciplinary action can be taken against them. After these efforts, most of the rebels left the field.

NCP-SP rebels withdraw

4 rebel candidates of NCP and SP left the electoral field. A large part of the party was engaged in convincing the NCP rebels. Shinde faction candidate Avinash Rane withdrew his name against Sana Malik from Anushakti Nagar. Similarly, Dhanraj Mahale also withdrew from the fray against Narhari Zirwal in Dindori. Shiv Sena candidates withdrew their nominations in Udgir, Pathri and Vasmat, supporting the Ajit Pawar faction's NCP.

There is still a clash on some seats

Despite this, there are 8 seats in the Mahayuti, where BJP or Shiv Sena candidates are in the fray against Ajit Pawar faction candidates. These include Nawab Malik's seat. Similarly, there are 14 seats in the Maha Vikas Aghadi as well, where alliance candidates are contesting against each other. The contest may become tougher due to rebels being in the fray on these seats.

Gopal Shetty also withdrew his nomination

The nomination of BJP's rebel candidate and former MP Gopal Shetty from Borivali seat had created a lot of buzz. Senior BJP leaders Piyush Goyal and Vinod Tawde met Shetty and resolved the issue. After this, Shetty withdrew his nomination along with Piyush Goyal. This development has given some relief to the Mahayuti and improved the electoral mathematics.

Relief for alliances due to the withdrawal of rebels, but discontent will remain

The withdrawal of nominations of rebels has definitely given some relief to the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi. However, the feeling of discontent still persists among the leaders who did not get tickets. It will be interesting to see how this discontent comes out during the elections.

Voting will be held on November 20 in a single phase for all 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra and the results will be declared on November 23.