NCP (SP) names two more candidates, mum on its Satara pick

The Bhiwandi seat had sparked a tug-of-war between the Congress and the NCP. The Maha Vikas Aghadi partners had a long discussion over Bhiwandi and Sangli seats on Thursday.

“We have announced the Bhiwandi candidate today after discussions at the MVA meeting yesterday. For us, there is no dispute whatsoever about Bhiwandi seat now..,” NCP (SP) chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapase told The Indian Express.

The NCP (SP) has so far announced names of 7 of its candidates. It will be announcing three more names in the coming days which includes the Satara seat as well, party leaders said.

The NCP (SP) has been in a quandary after sitting MP Shrinwas Patil refused to contest from Satara seat, citing health reasons. The party has been struggling to find a suitable candidate to contest from the Satara seat.

“We have two-three aspirants from Satara itself. But the party is trying to convince Shriniwas Patil to contest from the seat once again. If he contests, then we will surely win the seat…Our efforts are still underway to convince him,” Tapase said.

Meanwhile, the Mahayuti too has put on hold announcing the name of its Satara candidate. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP has staked claim to the seat. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Udayanraje Bhosale is keen to contest from the seat. However, he has refused to contest on an NCP ticket. He had gone to Delhi to convince BJP top leadership to allow him to contest on its party’s ticket. The BJP has however not announced his name as yet.