Milk fed poll: smooth sailing likely for most contestants

So far,106 candidates have filed nominations for 17 seats,of which five are already elected unopposed. Members say this is the result of NCP leader Ajit Pawar’s timely interference.

The district collectorate had recently declared December 2 as the date for the PDCMPF election and the authorities began accepting the nominations from October 23. The last date of filing nominations was October 29.

In all,106 candidates have filed nominations,including newly-elected MLAs Ramesh Thorat from Daund and Sangram Thopate from Bhor.

“Most members are confident that like the last couple of years,this year’s election too would largely go unopposed.

“Of the 17 seats,there is a lot of competition for the six seats for reserved categories,” said Balasaheb Dhamdhere,one of the directors.

The five candidates,who do not face opposition,include Gopal Mhaske (Haveli),Tamchandra Thombare (Mulshi),Balasaheb Shete (Khed),Balasaheb Newale (Maval) and Sandeep Jagdale (Purandar).

Dhamdhere said,“Pawar is expected to consult with other candidates and suggest them to withdraw their names from the fray to ease the situation. However,the picture would become clear only after the withdrawal of nominations.”

“Even after withdrawals from a few seats,a couple of candidates will face stiff competition,” a senior official of Katraj Dairy said.

PDCMPF claims to distribute over 3.25 lakh litres of milk per day and has a turnover of over Rs 150 crores.