In open challenge to NCP, BJP’s Samarjeet Ghatage says he will contest from Kagal in next Assembly polls

In 2019, Mushrif defeated BJP’s Ghatage in Kagal Assembly seat. The traditional rivals were often at loggerheads.

Mumbai | Updated: July 11, 2023 02:28 PM IST

2 min read

Upset with Mushrif’s induction into the cabinet, Ghatage voiced his objections to the party leadership. (Facebook/ Raje Samarjeetsinh Ghatge)

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BJP leader from Kolhapur, Samarjeet Ghatage, on Thursday declared that he will contest from Kagal Assembly constituency in the elections to be held next year. The assertion from Ghatage is an open challenge to NCP senior leader and cabinet minister Hasan Mushrif. The new BJP-NCP partnership has given rise to some bickerings in the state and it has already manifested in Kagal constituency in Kolhapur.

While reiterating his commitment to BJP, Ghatage said, “I will contest from Kagal constituency in 2024. Why should I leave my party. To the contrary, NCP’s alliance has helped me consolidate by candidature and electoral fortunes.” He was addressing his supporters in Kagal on Thursday. However, it took the intervention of top leadership to convince and reassure Ghatage.

On Sunday, eight NCP leaders led by Ajit Pawar took oath as cabinet ministers in Eknath Shinde government. Among them was NCP’s Hasan Mushrif.

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In 2019, Mushrif defeated BJP’s Ghatage in Kagal Assembly seat. The traditional rivals were often at loggerheads. Ghatage ran a campaign against Mushrif after central agencies cracked whip against Mushrif following alleged financial irregularities.

Upset with Mushrif’s induction into the cabinet, Ghatage voiced his objections to the party leadership. On Wednesday, Fadnavis summoned Ghatage to personally meet him.

“Fadnavis spoke to me for one hour. And he reassured that my position in Kagal will not be compromised and asked me to continue the field work,” Ghatage said.

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“I believe BJP’s decision to join hands with NCP was in party’s interest,” Ghatage said, after talking to Fadnavis.

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“As far as my candidature is concerned, there is no ambiguity. We will not only win, but with a huge margin,” he asserted.

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Bharatiya Janata Party NCP