Pune: The first list of 45 candidates released by the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SCP) on Thursday for the Nov 20 Maharashtra assembly elections included the names of 11 of its 12 sitting MLAs. The list, released by NCP (SCP) state chief Jayant Patil in Pune, featured names of six "newcomers". Among them was former BJP politician Samarjeetsinh Ghatge, who recently joined NCP (SCP).
Though the party's strength in the state assembly was reduced to 12 MLAs after the split engineered by deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who walked away with 41 legislators, Sharad Pawar placed faith in the NCP (SCP) cadre and nominated 28 loyalists who stayed with him. NCP (SCP) has not yet named its candidates against two sitting ministers, Chhagan Bhujbal from Yeola and Dhananjay Munde from Beed, who sided with Ajit Pawar after the split. NCP (SCP) declared candidates for four constituencies in Pune district.
Among them, two were from the city areas — Bapu Pathare (Wadgaon Sheri) and Prashant Jagtap (Hadapsar). In rural Pune, Ashok Pawar (Shirur) received a ticket. Jagtap will take on NCP's Chetan Tupe.
The scenario for Wadgaon Sheri and Shirur constituencies is yet to become clear, as Mahayuti has not yet declared its candidates. The aspirants for Parvati and Khadakwasla constituencies, which are with NCP (SCP) in the MVA alliance, were expecting their names to be declared. "The party will declare more lists in a day or two.
Discussions are ongoing with our alliance partners. If needed, there may be some chang.