Pune: NCP on Wednesday renominated its sitting MLA Chetan Tupe from the Hadapsar constituency, putting to rest speculations that the seat might go to Shiv Sena . With Tupe getting the ticket, it is almost certain that Shinde's Sena will not contest in any constituencies in Pune city because Hadapsar was the only seat the party was looking forward to contest. Discussions are under way that Sena might get the Khadakwasla seat.
But sources said its chances were remote because BJP and NCP had staked claim to it. Tupe, son of former MP Vitthal Tupe, is set to contest his second straight assembly election from Hadapsar after winning in the 2019 polls, defeating BJP's Yogesh Tilekar. Sources said unlike 2019, Tupe would have a tough job this time because he would have to overcome a combined force of NCP (SCP), Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress to secure victory.
While NCP (SCP) and Shiv Sena are still undecided on which party would contest the seat, there will be a straight battle between two NCPs if the seat goes to NCP (SCP). Supporters of Tupe said they were confident of their leader's win in the forthcoming polls. After a split in NCP, for the initial days, Tupe was unsure which camp to join.
He finally decided to go with Ajit Pawar. Tupe's supporters said his decision to remain with Ajit Pawar fetched him the ticket for the second time. A senior leader from the Hadapsar area said the Tupe family had a close association with the Pawars, as Vitthal Tupe was a staunch supporter of Shar.
