Shiv Sena may give Palghar bypoll ticket to late BJP leader’s kin

The bypoll for Palghar Lok Sabha constituency is slated for May 28; the last day to file nomination papers is May 10

Days after family members of the late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Chintaman Wanga joined the Shiv Sena, the latter is considering fielding one of them in the Palghar Lok Sabha by-elections necessitated by Wanga’s death. The bypoll for Palghar Lok Sabha constituency is slated for May 28 and the last day to file nomination papers is May 10.

Last week, Wanga’s wife and two sons met Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence.

Last week, Wanga’s wife and two sons met Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence, Matoshree, in Bandra. The family alleged the BJP leadership gave it a cold shoulder after the MP’s death in January. If the Sena decides to contest the bypoll, it would worsen the already troubled relations between the two ruling parties. Although the two parties are involved in a bitter power tussle, they have not contested by-elections in Lok Sabha or Assembly constituencies held by the other.

A senior Sena leader said, “Thackeray held a discussion with key leaders to give a ticket to a family member of the late MP. We are confident of winning, given the amount of work Wanga has done. Earlier, there was no sympathy for the family, but their speaking out has left BJP embarrassed.”

Another senior leader said the final announcement on Sena’s candidate would be made on May 8. Sena spokesperson said the Sena chief would take the final call. Party secretary Milind Narvekar said, “No decision has been taken on the matter.”

The Sena is also considering contesting the bypoll to gauge its strength in the region before the next Assembly and Lok Sabha polls. “As of now, we have limited presence in Palghar, Vasai-Virar belt. It is a good opportunity for us to see our strength there…it is just going to be for eight months [before the next general elections],” the leader said.

Wanga’s family alleged they had sought time of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP state chief Raosaheb Danve, but they did not give them an appointment. Fadnavis, on Saturday, clarified that Wanga’s son had sent him a message seeking his appointment, but the next day they met Thackeray. Fadnavis had said the party was considering fielding one of Wanga’s family members, and hoped the family would “take the right decision”.