Pune: Senior leader Sharad Pawar has confirmed that decisions regarding candidate selection for the Maha Vikas Aghadi in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections will be made by a special committee comprising Sanjay Raut, Nana Patole, and Jayant Patil.
Pawar emphasized that this time, candidates will be selected based on inputs from party workers and survey results, rather than relying solely on the preferences of individual aspirants.
Speaking at his residence in Govindbaug at Pune, on Sunday (September 29), Pawar addressed a delegation of candidates and supporters from Indapur, expressing a desire to contest under the ‘Tutari’ symbol.
He assured them that the final decision would be made after thorough discussions with all stakeholders. Prominent figures such as Dashrath Mane, Appasaheb Jagdale, Pravin Mane, and others were present at the meeting.
Pawar revealed that the selection process would be completed within the next 10 days, ahead of the anticipated Election Commission announcement of election dates between October 6 to 10, with voting likely to occur between November 15 and 20.
He hinted at a potential political shift in Indapur, stating that there is a growing sentiment for change in the constituency.
"We will consider the winnability of candidates and take everyone into confidence before finalizing the decision," Pawar assured.
During the meeting, party workers from Indapur expressed a strong preference for new candidates, rallying behind the slogan "No former, no current, we want a new face."
This move reflects growing dissatisfaction with former minister Harshavardhan Patil, whose candidacy is now under scrutiny due to mounting opposition from local workers.