Pune: Former Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Yogesh Tilekar is set to join the Maharashtra Legislative Council, creating a tug-of-war for candidacy in the Hadapsar Assembly constituency between two major contenders: Chetan Tupe of Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Nana Bhangire of Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena.

BJP has announced a list of five candidates for the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections, including Pankaja Munde, Yogesh Tilekar, Dr. Parinay Fuke, Amit Gorkhe, and Sadabhau Khot.

Tilekar was the OBC face of BJP and a strong contender for Hadapsar constituency in the state elections. With Tilekar’s elevation as MLC, the competition for the Hadapsar Assembly seat intensifies between Shiv Sena and the NCP.

Following the split in the NCP, several MLAs joined Ajit Pawar in the government, with some receiving ministerial positions while others remained neutral. Chetan Tupe was among those who initially remained neutral. Tupe did not immediately clarify his stance but eventually decided to side with Ajit Pawar.

With the Lok Sabha elections approaching, Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil, who had switched from Shiv Sena to NCP, was the candidate. A reliable worker was needed in the Hadapsar Assembly constituency to support Patil, and Tupe was the preferred choice.

Despite efforts from Tupe and alliance partners, Adhalrao Patil could not secure his lead from the Hadapsar constituency, leading to some dissatisfaction among current legislators. However, Tupe remains confident in receiving another opportunity for the Assembly Elections.

Nana Bhangire was one of the first leaders to join Eknath Shinde following the Shiv Sena split. He has since worked loyally and effectively, securing substantial funds for the development of the Hadapsar constituency through Chief Minister Shinde.

Bhangire has also strengthened party organization in the area, making him a strong contender for the Hadapsar Assembly Constituency seat.