Pune: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has released its second list of candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections, with the son of the late MLA Ramesh Wanjale, Mayuresh Wanjale, being named as the party’s candidate for the Khadakwasla constituency.
This move comes as a tribute to Ramesh Wanjale, an aggressive and popular MNS leader, who passed away suddenly in 2011.
Ramesh Wanjale, who had earned the moniker "Gold Man" for his penchant for wearing heavy gold jewelry, was an influential figure in the Khadakwasla constituency.
He gained prominence during the 2009 Assembly elections when he won by a large margin after switching from the Congress to the MNS. His legacy continues through his son, Mayuresh, who will now contest the same seat.
Kishor Shinde has been nominated for Kothrud, while Sainath Babar will contest from Hadapsar.
Ramesh Wanjale was known for his bold actions, including an infamous incident in the Maharashtra Assembly when he snatched the microphone from Abu Azmi of the Samajwadi Party, protesting the latter’s use of Hindi instead of Marathi during the oath-taking ceremony.
Wanjale was suspended for this action, further cementing his reputation as an aggressive leader who stood for Marathi pride. His death due to a heart attack in 2011 left a void in the MNS, but the party is now looking to revive his legacy through Mayuresh’s candidacy.
In Mumbai, Amit Thackeray, son of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, has been named the candidate for the Dadar-Mahim constituency, and Sandeep Deshpande will contest from Worli, the seat held by Aditya Thackeray of the Shiv Sena.
In Karjat-Jamkhed, where Rohit Pawar is the sitting MLA, MNS has fielded Ravindra Kothari.