BJP Faces Major Setbacks in Maharashtra: Dhobale and Naik Defect to NCP
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra has suffered significant setbacks with the defections of former minister Laxman Dhobale and former MLA Sandeep Naik to Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Maharashtra PoliticsBjpNcpLaxman DhobaleSandeep NaikReal Estate MaharashtraOct 23, 2024
Dhobale, a prominent figure in the Solapur region, has a strong political background. During his tenure as a minister, he was responsible for portfolios such as water supply and sanitation. He played a crucial role in formulating policies aimed at rural development and water management, particularly in drought-prone areas of Maharashtra. His defection is a significant blow to the BJP, as he brings substantial influence and local support to the NCP.
The defection of Dhobale comes on the heels of another major exit from the BJP. On Tuesday, former MLA Sandeep Naik joined the NCP, led by Sharad Pawar. Naik is expected to contest the upcoming Assembly elections from the Belapur constituency, where the BJP has already re-nominated its sitting MLA, Manda Mhatre. Naik’s decision to leave the BJP is rooted in his dissatisfaction with the party’s decision to deny him a ticket for the Belapur seat. This move has deepened the political rift in the region.
Sandeep Naik’s political lineage adds to the significance of his defection. His father, Ganesh Naik, a former minister with strong influence in the Navi Mumbai region, has been re-nominated by the BJP to contest from the Airoli constituency. The rivalry between the Naik family and the BJP’s Manda Mhatre has historically shaped the political dynamics in Belapur. The constituency, which has a considerable population from the Agri-Koli community, was previously represented by Ganesh Naik when he was with the undivided NCP. However, Naik lost to Mhatre in the 2014 elections before switching to the BJP.
The BJP’s woes are further compounded by the resignation of Rajan Teli, a senior party leader from the Sindhudurg district. Teli, who had been the BJP’s in-charge for the Sawantwadi Assembly segment, resigned from the party’s primary membership last Friday. He is set to join the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). Teli’s frustration within the party grew after former Union Minister Narayan Rane and his family joined the BJP. Teli expressed opposition to the possibility of one family dominating both Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies.
Meanwhile, Nitesh Rane, the younger son of Narayan Rane and sitting MLA from Kankavli in Sindhudurg, has been re-nominated by the BJP to contest from the same seat. The series of defections and resignations highlight the growing internal tensions within the BJP, as it prepares for the challenging electoral landscape in Maharashtra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Laxman Dhobale and why is his defection significant?
Laxman Dhobale is a former minister from the Solapur region in Maharashtra. His defection to the NCP is significant because of his strong local influence and his experience in rural development and water management, particularly in drought-prone areas. His move bolsters the NCP’s position in the region.
What triggered Sandeep Naik’s defection from the BJP?
Sandeep Naik was unhappy with the BJP’s decision to deny him a ticket for the Belapur seat in the upcoming Assembly elections. This dissatisfaction led to his defection to the NCP, where he is expected to contest from the same constituency.
Who is Manda Mhatre and what is his role in the political dynamics of Belapur?
Manda Mhatre is the sitting MLA of the Belapur constituency and has been re-nominated by the BJP. He has a long-standing rivalry with the Naik family, which has historically shaped the political dynamics in Belapur.
Why did Rajan Teli resign from the BJP?
Rajan Teli resigned from the BJP due to frustration over the party’s internal dynamics, particularly after former Union Minister Narayan Rane and his family joined the BJP. Teli opposed the possibility of one family dominating both Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies.
Who is Nitesh Rane and what is his current political position?
Nitesh Rane is the younger son of former Union Minister Narayan Rane and the sitting MLA from Kankavli in Sindhudurg. He has been re-nominated by the BJP to contest from the same seat in the upcoming Assembly elections.
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