BJP members join Sena counterparts in hotel politics

Nashik: Unwilling to take anything for granted after independent candidate Gokul Gite remained technically in the race for the Nashik MLC elections, Mahayuti leadership on Monday called BJP’s elected representatives to join their Shiv Sena counterparts for a joint “training session” in Thane.Gite’s candidature has added considerable spice to the election, particularly after three ministers — Girish Mahajan, Uday Samant, and Dada Bhuse — were deployed in Nashik for about six days to persuade him to stop campaigning.Gite, who was adamant to contest, did not officially withdraw his nomination. However, he stated that he stopped campaigning for himself but did not announce his support to Mahayuti candidate and Shiv Sena member Narendra Darade.While NCP MLA Hiraman Khoskar is on record saying he would vote half-heartedly for Darade, there are several leaders within the BJP who align their thoughts with him and Gite.“Many of us were inclined to support Gite. However, the party has now issued a whip and we will have to abide by it. We are therefore attending the training session, which will be addressed by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CM

Eknath Shinde

,” a senior BJP member said.

BJP city unit president Sunil Kedar, who along with former deputy mayor Vilas Shinde ensured that everyone boarded the vehicles to Thane, said, “Except for a few who have genuine reasons to stay back, everyone has boarded the bus.”On being asked if there was dissent among the party members, Kedar ruled out the possibility and said the Mahayuti alliance was stronger than ever.Despite the fact that a whip carries no legal weight in this specific election, another senior BJP member said, “The step is a form of warning to ensure the flock stays together.”The BJP holds 72 seats in the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), representing a significant chunk of the electorate.“Any foul play could potentially jeopardize the outcome of the June 18 election which will be conducted via ballot paper. In Thane, the CM and deputy CM will interact with the members to ensure they perform their duty as desired in the interest of the alliance,” the BJP member said.