Sena MLA Gholap's son to withdraw nomination from Shirdi seat

Nashik, March 27: Shiv Sena MLA Babanrao Gholap today said his son Yohesh Gholap who has filed his nomination papers from Shirdi Lok Sabha constituency will withdraw from the fray as his party has fielded Sadashiv Lokhande from the seat.

Interestingly, Yogesh filed his nomination as Shiv Sena candidate even as party gave the official ticket to Lokhande yesterday.

"Yogesh will withdraw his nomination against the official candidate of Shiv Sena in tune with the party's orders," Gholap, who represents Deolali Assembly constituency, told reporters here.

Initially, Gholap, a minister in the erstwhile NDA government in Maharashtra, was the official candidate of Shiv Sena in Shirdi seat but withdrew his claim after he was convicted and sentenced to three-year imprisonment, along with his wife, in a disproportionate assets case.

Refuting the rumours that he would turn rebel against his party, Gholap said he had been a staunch Shiv Sainik and held Bal Thackeray in high esteem.

Lokhande is facing sitting MP and Sena rebel Bhausaheb Wakchaure who is contesting on Congress ticket.

PTI