BJP keen to field Videocon chief from Ahmednagar

With general elections 2004 now taking off, the BJP is wooing winnable candidates across all segments of society. State BJP president Gopinath Munde is keen on fielding Videocon Group chairman Venugopal Dhoot as a nominee from Ahmednagar (South) Lok Sabha constituency.

Union MoS for Surface Transport Dilip Gandhi represented Ahmadnagar in the 13th Lok Sabha. Following local sugar baron and Sena leader Balasaheb Vikhe Patil’s decision to join the Congress, BJP is rethinking on nominating Gandhi. Hence, Dhoot’s candidature. BJP feels Dhoot will be able to neutralise Vikhe Patil’s impact. Otherwise, it will be difficult to retain the seat due to the anti-incumbency factor. Besides Dhoot, also under consideration is state Legislative Council Chairman N.S. Pharande. The final decision will be taken by the party state election board in Mumbai on March 12.

Munde is pressing hard for Dhoot’s candidature, while the BJP rank and file favours Pharande. Dhoot is the only industrialist friend of Munde. Maharashtra BJP president said: ‘‘Dhoot is one of the aspirants…however, a final decision will be taken after the parliamentary board meeting on March 12 and 15.’’