Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: List Of BJP Leaders Contesting From Shiv Sena (Shinde)

In a significant political development, the Maharashtra Assembly polls have seen a wave of BJP leaders shifting their allegiances to the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena.

Key figures such as former Union Minister Narayan Rane's son, Nilesh Rane, and former Union Minister Raosaheb Danve’s daughter, Sanjana Jadhav, are notable among those who have joined Shiv Sena Shinde. They, along with others like Rajendra Gavit, Vilas Tare, and Santosh Shetty, have been given tickets to contest in various constituencies, signalling a considerable reshuffling in the state's political landscape.

The Mahayuti alliance, spearheaded by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and supported by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) along with smaller allied groups, has fielded a total of 284 candidates. However, the alliance faces challenges from within, as approximately 80 rebel candidates have also thrown their hats into the ring, contesting against the alliance's official nominees in several constituencies.

This internal competition has led to a situation where, in some instances, the Mahayuti alliance has listed two candidates in the same constituency and even left two constituencies uncontested, raising the total count to 289 candidates.

At a press meet on Thursday, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said that the party is trying to pacify the rebels, requesting them to withdraw their nominations. He said, "Some people have cross-nominated from our alliance. Yesterday we all allies sat together and sorted all issues about cross nominations among ourselves. In a day or 2, you will see the effect of the same. Some rebels from our alliance have filed their nominations, we are trying to convince them also to take back their nominations. We will start our campaign in full swing after 4-5 November after Diwali."

Responding to prominent leader Gopal Shetty's decision to contest as an independent candidate, Fadnavis said that he is a dedicated party worker and he is hopeful of convincing him to back out of the polls.

He added, "Gopal Shetty is a dedicated BJP senior and dedicated leader and sometimes he demands something but ultimately he supports the party. This time also we are hopeful that he will come with the party line."

These rebels, standing as independent candidates, highlight the internal discord within the Mahayuti alliance. Their defiance exemplifies the complex dynamics and factionalism that often characterize Indian political contests.

Here's the list of BJP candidates being fielded by Shiv Sena

Amol Khatal: Joined Shiv Sena after BJP denied him a ticket and will stand from Sangamner.

Baliram Shirasakar: Also representing Shiv Sena Shinde in the upcoming elections.

Digvijay Bagal: Another leader who left BJP for Shiv Sena Shinde, contesting from Karmala.

Murji Patel: Set to contest the Andheri East seat.

Nilesh Rane: Son of former Union Minister Narayan Rane and former MP, Nilesh joined Shiv Sena Shinde and will contest from Kudal-Malvan.

Rajendra Gavit: Contesting from the Palghar constituency on a Shiv Sena Shinde ticket.

Sanjana Jadhav: Daughter of former Union Minister Raosaheb Danve, Sanjana has joined Shiv Sena Shinde and will run for the Kannad Assembly seat.

Santosh Shetty: Recently shifted from BJP to Shinde's Shiv Sena and has been fielded from Bhiwandi East.

Shaina NC: Veteran BJP leader who joined Shiv Sena Shinde before the elections; she'll contest from Mumba Devi.

Vilas Tare: Will compete for the Boisar Assembly seat.