Shiv Sena, BJP face rebellion in Marathwada

The Opposition Shiv Sena-BJP alliance is facing rebellion in its ranks in Marathwada after the announcement of candidates for the October 13 Maharashtra assembly elections.

After former Shiv Sena MP Pradeep Jaiswal, ex-MLA of BJP from Latur, Shivaji Patil Kavekar, has resigned from the party with his supporters.

Similar revolts had been reported from Nanded, Beed and Hingoli districts also.

Jaiswal has announced that he would be contesting the assembly elections from Aurangabad (Central) as an independent candidate. He resigned from the party on Monday after he was denied party ticket.

Jaiswal said after consultation with his supporters he decided to contest as an independent rather than on Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) ticket or as a candidate of any other party or alliance. Jaiswal said he will file his nomination papers on Friday.

Jaiswal alleged financial deal behind deciding the party candidate from Aurangabad (Central). He accused Milind Narvekar, a close aide of Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackeray, of trying to weaken the party.

Notably, the saffron alliance has witnessed revolt in all the districts of Marathwada after announcing the candidates.