BJP leader resigns, extends support to independent to defeat NCP nominee

BJP leader Bala Bhegade resigns to support independent Bapu Bhegade in Maval, aiming to defeat NCP's Sunil Shelke in the 2024 assembly elections.

PUNE: In an unexpected move, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former minister of state (MoS) Bala Bhegade has resigned from the party to support independent candidate Bapu Bhegade in the 2024 assembly elections, to defeat Mahayuti ally, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), nominee Sunil Shelke.

BJP leader resigns, extends support to independent to defeat NCP nominee

The rift within the alliance surfaced after the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP declared sitting MLA Shelke as its candidate, sidelining Bapu. In response, Bapu, NCP’s Maharashtra state vice-president, resigned from the post and announced he would contest the elections as an independent. The development has increased political temperature in Maval assembly segment which boasts of the famous hill station, Lonavla.

At a press conference on Wednesday evening, Bala apologised to deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, saying he will extend his support to the independent candidate.

“In the upcoming election, we want to defeat MLA Shelke and support Bapu’s independent bid,” Bala said.

“The election result will reflect the strength of loyal party workers and citizens. While I have been grateful to the BJP for the opportunities to serve as MLA and minister, this decision is aimed at protecting the interests of party workers in Maval, who have suffered in the past five years,” he said.

An NCP member since 1999, Bapu had been eyeing the 2024 assembly elections. However, following the announcement of Shelke’s candidacy, he chose to part ways with the party to contest as an independent. His bid, bolstered by Bala’s backing, is seen as a strong challenge in the Maval constituency.

Meanwhile, Shelke filed his nomination on Thursday as the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) candidate for the Maval seat. On the political tension in the region, Shelke said, “This is an attempt to secure candidacy from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. The MVA has not yet finalised its candidate, but we are working to ensure that whoever contests from this region represents the development interests of Maval.”