Pune: The Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra has seen a new development with the emergence of the "Maval Pattern," as the BJP in Maval extends support to independent candidate Bapu Bhegde against NCP candidate Sunil Shelke for the upcoming Assembly elections.
MLA Sunil Shelke, representing NCP, encountered resistance from BJP leaders in Maval, where he previously held membership.
Following his departure from the BJP in 2019, Shelke’s presence has caused discontent among party leaders due to the loss of their stronghold in the constituency.
After Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar allied with the BJP in the state government, local BJP leaders found themselves in a challenging position.
As the Assembly elections approached, opposition to Shelke grew within BJP ranks, leading to covert campaigning against him and internal dissent, with Bapu Bhegde, the former city president of Talegaon Dabhade, claiming candidacy and solidifying his intent to run.
Amid these developments, Shelke opted not to officially announce his candidacy, waiting instead for alignment between BJP Maval and the state leadership.
In recent meetings with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, both Shelke and former MLA Bala Bhegde discussed the situation. Bhegde’s close association with Fadnavis made it seem unlikely that BJP Maval would support a rebel candidate.
However, once Bapu Bhegde confirmed his independent run, BJP state vice president Bala Bhegde and Kisan Morcha state president Ganesh Bhegde resigned from their posts in support of Bapu Bhegde, while retaining their party memberships.
After their resignations, the leaders convened a meeting, calling on BJP members to rally behind Bapu Bhegde. Observers are keen to see the ripple effect this "Maval Pattern" will have within the Mahayuti alliance across the state.
Bala Bhegde, former MLA, expressed clear intentions: “Our primary aim is to defeat Sunil Shelke in these Assembly elections, and with the support of Maval’s people, we intend to secure a win for Bapu Bhegde. Making strategic decisions at the right time is essential, which is why I have decided not to contest. Our objective is to retain BJP’s presence in Maval. For the first time in five decades, all parties have united here.”
