Mahayuti dispute over Nashik seat: Pankaja says sister can contest from Nashik, Bhujbal asks her to focus on Beed

Last week, however, Bhujbal had announced that he was withdrawing from the race for the ticket. Munde’s statement on Nashik comes after speculations on the political career of her sister, who is the sitting MP from Beed. The BJP, however, has decided to drop the incumbent and field Pankaja.

Speaking to reporters Wedensday, Munde had said that one need not worry about Pritam. “I will make her contest from Naskik, if necessary,” Pankaja had said. While Pritam has been a two-time MP from Beed and her politics has most revolved around Beed district, Pankaja has pitched her sister for Nashik as she has been married into a family that resides in the district.

While Bhujbal has withdrawn from the race, the NCP and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena continue to stake claim on this seat. On Thursday, a meeting of the NCP was held at Bhujbal’s residence in Nashik to decide the strategy. NCP spokesperson Anand Paranjpe said that the party will be fighting hard till the last minute to get this seat.

Meanwhile, CM Shinde, speaking to reporters at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Thursday, said that the seat has been historically with the Sena. “Shiv Sena will be going to contest the election from Nashik as we have been fighting here historically. The decision will be taken unanimously in the meeting of ruling alliance,” he said.