Pune: As the assembly election nomination process begins in Maharashtra, Chandrakant Patil, Minister of Higher and Technical Education, filed his nomination papers for the Kothrud assembly constituency in a strong show of public support.

Patil, who has been nominated by the BJP for a second term, was accompanied by a large crowd of supporters as he completed the formalities in Pune.

The event was marked by enthusiastic chants of "Kothrudkar’s only promise—Chandrakant Dada," reflecting the strong backing he enjoys within the constituency.

Before filing his nomination, Patil visited several temples in Kothrud, seeking blessings.

Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni, and NCP leader Deepak Mankar were among the prominent figures who joined him during the process.

Commenting on his campaign, Patil said, "I started my nomination process by visiting sacred places and paying respects to revolutionaries, as well as offering prayers at Kasba Ganpati and paying tribute at the home of the late MP Girish Bapat.

We are resolved to exceed the 74,500-vote margin achieved by Murlidhar Mohol in the Lok Sabha elections by at least one vote. The overwhelming support from the people, even in this intense heat, assures me of victory."

While the BJP has officially announced Patil's candidacy for Kothrud, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has yet to declare its candidate, with the seat expected to go to the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction.

Additionally, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has re-nominated Kishor Shinde for the same constituency.