NewKerala.com

NCP-SP Picks Mokate for Rahuri Bypoll After Tanpure's Dramatic Exit

The NCP-SP has announced Govind Mokate as its candidate for the Rahuri Assembly bypoll. This follows the dramatic withdrawal of its probable candidate, Prajakt Tanpure, after he met with BJP state leaders. The BJP has fielded Akshay Kardile, son of the late MLA whose death necessitated the election. The move is seen as an embarrassment for the opposition MVA, with reports suggesting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis personally assured Tanpure to secure his exit from the contest.

Key Points: Rahuri Bypoll: NCP-SP Nominates Govind Mokate vs BJP's Akshay Kardile

  • NCP-SP candidate announced
  • Probable candidate backed out after BJP meeting
  • BJP fields late MLA's son
  • Chief Minister Fadnavis cited as mastermind
3 min read

NCP‑SP nominates Govind Mokate for Rahuri bypoll against BJP's Akshay Kardile​

NCP-SP names Govind Mokate for Rahuri bypoll after probable candidate Prajakt Tanpure withdraws following meeting with BJP leaders.

"He had told us that he did not want to contest, but for him, the opinion of his workers was final. - Shashikant Shinde"

Rahuri, April 6

The Nationalist Congress Party State President, Shashikant Shinde, on Monday announced Govind Mokate as the party's candidate for the Rahuri Assembly seat.​

The development is an embarrassment for the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), especially for the NCP‑SP, as its probable candidate and former Minister Prajakt Tanpure backed out of the race at the last moment and went into hiding after meeting State BJP chief Ravindra Chavan.​

The bypoll was necessitated in the Rahuri Assembly seat in Ahilyanagar district after the death of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Shivajirao Kardile, who had defeated sitting MLA Tanpure in the 2024 Assembly polls.​

The BJP has fielded Kardile's son, Akshay, for the bypoll on March 23. Akshay on Monday filed his nomination papers in the presence of State BJP chief Ravindra Chavan and senior party Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil.​

"We have decided to give candidature to Govind Mokate. All parties in the Maha Vikas Aghadi have extended their support to the candidature, and we are committed to fighting for victory," said Shashikant Shinde.​

When asked about Tanpure, nephew of senior party leader Jayant Patil, backing out of the race, Shinde said that Tanpure was not willing to contest but was under pressure from the electorate.​

"He had told us that he did not want to contest, but for him, the opinion of his workers was final. We were in touch with him till 1 p.m. today, and ultimately it was decided that he will not contest, and we chose Govind Mokate as our candidate," said Shinde.​

Earlier, BJP State President Ravindra Chavan and Ahilyanagar Guardian Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil met Prajakt Tanpure. Following a lengthy closed‑door discussion, Tanpure's stance on contesting the Rahuri bypoll appeared to undergo a 180‑degree turn.​

BJP insiders said that while Chavan and Vikhe Patil initiated the meeting, the true mastermind behind the development was Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Despite being on a campaign tour in Kerala, CM Fadnavis spoke directly to Tanpure via a phone call placed by Ravindra Chavan.​

The Chief Minister gave a 100 per cent guarantee that the State Government would address every developmental issue and grievance raised by Tanpure regarding the Rahuri constituency. Following the Chief Minister's assurance, Tanpure decided to withdraw from the electoral contest.​

During the recently held Budget Session of the State Legislature, Tanpure, while speaking to reporters, had expressed his wish to contest the bypoll. However, according to sources, he was also trying for the BJP ticket in the bypoll.​

His recent social media posts showing him in saffron, with a cloth around him, had gone viral, sparking speculation that he might even switch to the BJP for the bypoll.​

On the last day for filing nominations, Tanpure reportedly went intocommunicado. The MVA ally Congress had already announced that, in the event the NCP‑SP did not contest the Rahuri bypoll, the party was ready to contest the seat.​

Throughout Monday morning, the NCP‑SP held deliberations at its party headquarters in Mumbai, after which the decision to give Mokate candidature was taken.​

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
The BJP's strategy is very sharp. CM Fadnavis calling from Kerala to give assurances... it's clear they wanted to avoid a strong fight. But this whole drama makes our political system look like a game of chess, not public service. I hope the new candidate, Mokate, focuses on real issues like water and roads in Rahuri.
A
Aman W
Typical Maharashtra politics! Last-minute changes, secret meetings, and candidates going 'incommunicado'. The common man is tired of this tamasha. Just tell us clearly who is contesting and what they will do for development. All the best to Akshay Kardile and Govind Mokate. May the best person win.
P
Priyanka N
Respectfully, the NCP-SP leadership must share some blame. If Tanpure was under pressure from workers, why wasn't this managed earlier? It shows a lack of coordination within the MVA. Announcing a candidate on the last day looks reactive, not strategic. I hope they have a solid plan to support Mokate.
D
David E
Following this from abroad. The article mentions Tanpure's social media posts with saffron cloth. In Indian politics, are such symbols more important than policy? It seems the narrative is being controlled by imagery and behind-the-scenes deals rather than a debate on governance.
V
Vikram M
Sympathy vote might work for BJP with Kardile's son, but Rahuri needs active representation. Let's see what Mokate ji brings to the table. His name isn't as familiar, so he must connect directly with voters. No more drama, just work. 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50