Shiv Sena, Opposition unity forces BJP on backfoot ahead of bypoll

Mumbai: The possibility of opposition parties and ally Shiv Sena coming together to defeat Narayan Rane in the upcoming December 7 by-election for the Legislative Council is compelling chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to think of ensuring the veteran leader a safe entry into the legislature, BJP sources said.

The Election Commission of India declared that by-election for the seat will be held on December 7. The seat fell vacant after Mr Rane in September quit the Congress, which had nominated him to the seat. He has since floated his own party, the Maharashtra Swabhimaan Paksh.

If Mr Rane loses in the December 7 election, the blame will be pinned on Mr Fadnavis. In order to avoid risk, Mr Fadnavis and Mr Rane are thinking of making Mr Rane contest in elections in July 2018 when 11 Council seats will fall vacant, BJP sources told to The Asian Age.

These 11 seats will be elected through members of the Legislative Assembly where each contestant would need 25 seats to win. The BJP, which has 122 members in the Assembly, will easily win at least five seats in the election, and can offer one to Mr Rane.

If Mr Rane does not contest on December 7, the BJP can name any other candidate and the Shiv Sena would give its support. Then that candidate may be elected unopposed. That will mean the BJP would get one more seat and Mr Rane would not face any risk, party sources said.