BJP reaches out to Shiv Sena for support in by-election

Mumbai: Ahead of the important Maharashtra Legislative Council by-election, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reached out to its sulking alliance partner, Shiv Sena on Thursday, where two senior BJP ministers, Chandrakant Patil and Vinod Tawde met with Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at latter’s residence, Matoshree.

The by-election for the one seat vacated upon Narayan Rane’s resignation has been scheduled for December 7. The members of the legislative assembly will elect the person for this MLC.

As it is clear now that Mr Rane will not contest the election now, the BJP is looking to take other leaders into its fold. But to win this seat, it’s important for the party to get Sena on board with them. Sources have confirmed that the Sena leadership is positive about supporting BJP’s candidate and it strictly against supporting Mr Rane.

On Thursday evening, Maharashtra BJP’s core committee met to discuss the names of candidates for this election. The committee has reportedly given all the rights to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for taking a decision and the CM will now discuss the issue with Sena chief before finalising the candidate’s name that seems convenient to both. It is also likely that Mr Fadnavis will discuss the names and get the final nod from BJP chief Amit Shah.

Names of BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari, Shina NC and BJP’s state vice-president Prasad Lad are doing rounds for the post. Sources also confirmed that Sena leadership has no issue in supporting Ms Shaina in case she gets the candidature.