BJP demands rejection of Mhetre's candidature

The BJP today demanded rejection of Minister of State for Horticulture and Rural Development Siddharama Mhetre's candidature from Akkalkot seat after a party worker was killed at Shevgaon in Solapur district allegedly by his supporters.

The BJP on Sunday demanded rejection of Minister of State for Horticulture and Rural Development Siddharama Mhetre's candidature from Akkalkot seat after a party worker was killed at Shevgaon in Solapur district allegedly by his supporters.

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"We have demanded that the Election Commission reject Mhetre's candidature and take strict action against him," BJP leader Kirit Somaiya said.

A BJP worker Bhimanna Kore was killed and three others were injured in a firing incident during the campaign rally of BJP candidate Sidramappa Patil in Akkalkot assembly segment yesterday. Two persons from the crowd had allegedly started firing at the dais. However, Patil escaped unhurt.

The state BJP has also organised a protest rally at Akkalkot today to protest the death of Kore. It would be led by BJP general secretary Gopinath Munde.

Somaiya said the EC has assured him of sending a two- member team to probe the incident.

However, state Chief Electoral Officer Debashish Chakravarti denied knowledge of any such complain to the EC.

"We have not received any such complain so far and the matter is being investigated by Solapur police," Chakravarty said.

Munde, meanwhile, alleged that Mhetre was behind the incident as he had incited the attackers and demanded protection for Patil.