Maharashtra poll ballotin: ‘Taking Khadse in NCP (SP) was a mistake’; Solapur family becomes BJP’s pain

Shinde seeks support of ‘Gokul’

A phone recording of CM Eknath Shinde and Arun Dongale, chairman of influential Kolhapur district milk cooperative milk producers association, better known for its milk brand Gokul, has gone viral. Shinde is seeking help from Dongle to ensure the victory of two of his party’s candidates in Kolhapur district and Dongle is promising him the same. Interestingly, it was the Congress and united NCP panel which had won Gokul elections during MVA rule. But with changed political equations, the milk seems to be changing its color.

Wadettiwar takes on NCP minister

A day after Ajit Pawar-led NCP’s leader from Gadchiroli and minister Dharmarao Atram alleged that LoP Vijay Wadettiwar will join the BJP after the first phase, the latter challenged him to give lead to the BJP from his Assembly segment. Wadettiwar who has been stationed in Gadchiroli seat claimed that not only the BJP is losing but that will lead to Atram losing his portfolio as well. Now, all eyes are set on June 4 to see whose prediction comes true.

Solapur family becomes BJP’s pain

Dhairyasheel Mohite-Patil from Madha Lok Sabha is set to join NCP-SP led by Sharad Pawar. A member of the influential Mohite-Patil family from Akluj in Solapur district, joining the opposition is set to create headache for the BJP’s incumbent MP and candidate from Madha. The BJP fears that this will impact even the neighbouring Solapur LS seat as Mohite-Patil family enjoys the clout in different parts of the district. It further fears that the message of Sharad Pawar successfully stitching an anti-BJP front of locally influential leaders will have its effect in Satara and Baramati LS seats as well.

BJP’s door-to-door campaign push

The BJP has urged its candidates to focus on smaller meetings and door-to-door campaign to build stronger bond with voters in their respective constituencies. The poll managers in the party said, “When big rallies take place it engages entire party unit. So, these are reserved only for top stars campaigners. At candidate level,the party has focussed on smaller gatherings area wise. It also is budget friendly specially at a time when rivals are closely watching the expenditures.”