Pune: Political drama unfolded today in the Wadgaon Sheri constituency, where BJP initially prepared former MLA Jagdish Mulik to submit his nomination, signaling a potential friendly contest within the Mahayuti alliance against NCP candidate Sunil Tingre.
However, with the intervention of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Mulik was asked to step back, effectively putting an end to the standoff.
Mulik, who has been advocating for BJP to contest the Wadgaon Sheri seat, maintained that BJP had strong support in the area.
Despite Sunil Tingre being nominated as the Mahayuti alliance’s NCP candidate, Mulik’s confidence in a favorable outcome had sparked speculation of an intra-alliance contest, creating unrest within Tingre’s supporters.
The tension heightened this morning when BJP instructed Mulik to proceed with his nomination. By 11 a.m., Mulik arrived at the election office with the official AB form, prepared to file his candidacy.
However, BJP leadership soon intervened, asking Mulik to hold off on his nomination until further instructions at 2:45 p.m. News of this change quickly reached BJP supporters, who gathered outside the office, pressing Mulik to submit his nomination.
In response to this public pressure, Mulik reached out to Deputy CM Fadnavis.
Addressing the supporters through speakerphone, Fadnavis explained, “We had decided for Jagdish to contest and were confident of his victory. However, to uphold the unity of the Mahayuti alliance, I requested him to hold back. I assure you, I will take responsibility for securing Jagdish’s representation in the legislature at a future time.” The announcement resolved the standoff, and BJP supporters dispersed.
Reflecting on the events, Jagdish Mulik confirmed, “BJP provided me the official AB form, but I refrained from filing my nomination on the orders of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. I will respect the principles of the Mahayuti alliance.”
BJP had issued Mulik the AB form four days earlier, and he had completed all formal requirements for his nomination. The series of events highlights the strategic pressure tactics within the Mahayuti alliance, with BJP and NCP vying to secure their positions.