Sunil Shelke faces an internal challenge as BJP’s Bala Bhegde stakes claim to Maval constituency

Last week, former BJP leader Bala Bhegde had said BJP would be contesting Maval seat which the party had won several times.

Sunil Shelke said if the BJP is expressing doubts that NCP workers and leaders did not work for Shiv Sena candidate during Lok Sabha election, then it is not the right thing to do.

The Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has expressed its resentment with its alliance partner in the Mahayuti after former BJP leader Bala Bhegde staked claim to the Maval assembly seat, that is currently held by the Ajit Pawar faction.

“Everyone has a desire to contest elections. There is nothing wrong in it. But it be remembered that the Mahayuti has decided upon a formula. The party which has an MLA in a particular constituency will get that seat,” said Maval sitting MLA Sunil Shelke who belongs to Ajit Pawar’s NCP.

Shelke said if the BJP is expressing doubts that NCP workers and leaders did not work for Shiv Sena candidate during Lok Sabha election, then it is not the right thing to do. “We put in 100 per cent effort,” he said.

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Last week, Bhegde had said BJP would be contesting Maval seat which the party had won several times.

Shelke said he will abide by whatever decision the Mahayuti leaders take. “I will follow the alliance dharma. Whatever decision, the Mahayuti leaders take we will abide by it, ” he said.

Shelke said on August 2, BJP will be holding its conclave in Maval. “If I am invited, I will go for it,” he said.

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