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This is an archive article published on May 9, 2024

Trouble brews in Dindori for Mahayuti as Shiv Sena MLA Suhas Kande accuses Chhagan Bhujbal of supporting NCP (SP)

The BJP has renominated Minister of State for Health Dr Bharati Pawar against NCP (SP) candidate Bhaskar Bhagre in Dindori, which goes to poll on May 20

Suhas Kande Bhujbal Mumbai Shiv Sena NCPKande, who once had a series of cases filed against him and even had externment proceedings initiated against him by the Nashik police in the mid-2000s, had started with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Seen as close to Bhujbal at one point, he later jumped ship and joined the Shiv Sena. (Facebook/ Suhas Kande)

Infighting has plagued the Mahayuti alliance’s electoral pitch in the Dindori Lok Sabha seat after Shiv Sena MLA Suhas Kande accused Chhagan Bhujbal, his ally and senior minister in the Maharashtra government, of campaigning for Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar).

In Dindori, the BJP has renominated Union Minister of State for Health Dr Bharati Pawar against NCP (SP) candidate Bhaskar Bhagre. Dindori is among the 13 seats in Maharashtra that go to poll in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 on May 20.

“If he has become a minister, he has been made one under the “Mahayuti” quota. However, when it comes to campaigning, he is doing so for the NCP symbol. If you love the “Tutari” (The NCP’s election symbol) so much, then I beg you to resign as a minister and work for the NCP (SP),” Kande said while addressing supporters in his Assembly constituency Nandgaon.

Bhujbal, however, denied the charges and claimed that he was working to ensure the victory of the Mahayuti candidate. “Our people are working diligently. I have told my people that if we have differences with the local MLA, we should carry on our work separately to ensure the victory of the Mahayuti alliance,” Bhujbal said.

Kande and Bhujbal, elected from the adjoining constituencies of Nandgaon and Yevla, share an uneasy relationship.

Kande, who once had a series of cases filed against him and even had externment proceedings initiated against him by the Nashik police in the mid-2000s, had started with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Seen as close to Bhujbal at one point, he later jumped ship and joined the Shiv Sena, unsuccessfully contesting the 2014 Assembly elections against Bhujbal’s son Pankaj in Nandgaon. In 2019, however, he dislodged the Bhujbal family from Nandgaon, defeating Pankaj Bhujbal.

The formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government and the appointment of Bhujbal as Nashik’s guardian minister rattled Kande, who felt that Bhujbal was out to finish his political career. This conflict even led to public confrontations between the two during government meetings.

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An all-out struggle for his political survival prompted Kande to move the Bombay High Court in September 2021, seeking the removal of senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal as Nashik’s guardian minister. He had also questioned why the Anti-Corruption Bureau was not challenging the discharge of the Bhujbals and others in the Maharashtra Sadan scam case.

In Dindor, three-time former BJP MP Harishchandra Chavan had also filed his nomination as an Independent but later withdrew. The NCP (SP) was also facing problems due to the insistence of seven-time former CPI(M) MLA J P Gavit, who had entered the electoral ring but withdrew his candidature after talks with Sharad Pawar.

The Constituency is a study in contrast. It is spread across the six Assembly seats of Nandgaon, Kalvan, Chandwad, Yeola, Niphad, and Dindori. It contains two of the country’s biggest onion markets, Lasalgaon and Pimpalgaon, and is also home to the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd factory. It also is home to some of the poorest tribals in the state.

The polity of Dindori has been a story of political expediency and electoral compulsions. In 2014, the BJP gave ticket to NCP leader Dr Bharti Pawar, dropping three-time MP Harishchandra Pawar. She won the elections and was soon awarded a berth in the central cabinet. Her national prominence hastened Harishchandra’s sidelining in the BJP.

Zeeshan Shaikh is the Associate Editor who heads The Indian Express' Mumbai reporting team. He is recognized for his highly specialized Expertise in analyzing the complex dynamics of Maharashtra politics and critical minority issues, providing in-depth, nuanced, and Trustworthy reports. Expertise  Senior Editorial Role: As an Associate Editor leading the Mumbai reporting team, Zeeshan Shaikh holds a position of significant Authority and journalistic responsibility at a leading national newspaper. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on two interconnected, high-impact areas: Maharashtra Politics & Urban Power Structures: Provides deep-dive analyses into political strategies, municipal elections (e.g., BMC polls), the history of alliances (e.g., Shiv Sena's shifting partners), and the changing demographics that influence civic power in Mumbai. Minority Issues and Socio-Political Trends: Excels in coverage of the Muslim community's representation in power, demographic shifts, socio-economic challenges, and the historical context of sensitive political and cultural issues (e.g., the 'Vande Mataram' debate's roots in the BMC). Investigative Depth: His articles frequently delve into the historical roots and contemporary consequences of major events, ranging from the rise of extremist groups in specific villages (e.g., Borivali-Padgha) to the long-term collapse of established political parties (e.g., Congress in Mumbai). Trustworthiness & Credibility Data-Driven Analysis: Zeeshan's work often incorporates empirical data, such as National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics on arrests and convictions of minorities, or data on asset growth of politicians, grounding his reports in factual evidence. Focus on Hinterland Issues: While based in Mumbai, he maintains a wide lens, covering issues affecting the state's hinterlands, including water crises, infrastructure delays, and the plight of marginalized communities (e.g., manual scavengers). Institutional Affiliation: His senior position at The Indian Express—a publication known for its tradition of rigorous political and investigative journalism—underscores the high level of editorial vetting and Trustworthiness of his reports. He tweets @zeeshansahafi ... Read More

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