Andheri (East) bypoll: BJP withdraws candidate, making way for Uddhav-led Shiv Sena’s Rutuja Latke

On Monday, Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule told reporters in Nagpur: “The BJP has decided not to contest the Andheri East by-poll.” He added that the BJP was assured of a victory but had decided to withdraw its candidate keeping in mind the tradition in the state to not put up a candidate against the family member of a deceased MLA in a by-election.

While the withdrawal of Patel has smoothened the way for Latke, the November 3 elections will still take place as there are six candidates in the fray against her. “Of the 14 eligible candidates, seven, including Patel, withdrew their candidature on Monday. Now, the election will take place between the seven candidates, which includes Latke,” said an official.

Reacting to the BJP’s decision, Latke thanked all political parties which have supported her candidature. “I will work for the welfare of the public,” she said.

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said that while they were assured of a victory, they had decided to back off from the election in view of requests made by leaders from across the political spectrum. “Latke was our colleague. Unfortunately, he passed away. All the senior leaders like Pawar saheb and other MLAs too appealed and it is our culture that we do not field a candidate against the family members of deceased MLA or MP during the by-poll. We let the family member win unopposed,” he said.

When asked whether the withdrawal was rooted in the fear of losing, Shinde said. “The BMC elections are near. So then (during BMC polls) we will come to know who loses and who wins”.

Shiv Sena (Uddhav) MLC and leader Anil Parab said: “We thank the BJP for responding to the appeal of NCP chief Sharad Pawar and MNS chief Raj Thackeray for upholding the tradition and culture of the state.”

NCP state president Jayant Patil said, “BJP and Shinde faction may have realised that they will face a very humiliating defeat against Latke. We appreciate that better sense prevailed finally.”

State Congress chief Nana Patole said, “Pawar and Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar are contesting BCCI elections jointly. Pawar’s appeal (on the bypoll) could be linked to that.”