Amravati: Mahayuti alliance’s much-touted unity is under strain in the Amravati Division Teachers Constituency election, with its constituents following different yardsticks on rebel candidates. While BJP has cracked the whip against rebels who refused to withdraw in favour of the Mahayuti candidate, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) is reluctant to act against its own rebel.Shinde Sena has fielded sitting MLC Kiran Sarnaik as the Mahayuti nominee. Sarnaik had won the 2020 election as an independent and joined the Shinde Sena only six months ago.When Sarnaik filed his nomination, three BJP aspirants – Dr Sangita Shinde-Bonde, Chandrashekhar Bhuyar and Sumit Pawar – revolted and filed nominations. BJP expelled all three for six years and terminated their primary membership for anti-party activities. The party also expelled its Amravati Rural unit general secretary Nitin Gudadhe for supporting the rebels.The Yuva Swabhiman Party also withdrew its candidate in support of Sarnaik.Shinde Sena is yet to initiate any disciplinary action against its rebel and former MLC Shrikant Deshpande. Deshpande, in his campaign meetings, has been projecting himself as the “true Shivsainik of Balasaheb Thackeray and close confidant of Eknath Shinde”. “I am in Sena from the beginning, he has come only for the poll,” Deshpande has been saying about Sarnaik.The inaction has raised questions in political circles whether the Shinde Sena is tacitly allowing a friendly fight. This has become a major talking point among the teacher voters, who form the electorate for this biennial Legislative Council seat.In another worrying sign for the alliance, the strategy meeting called by Shinde Sena for its candidate on Tuesday has reportedly upset local BJP netas.It was attended by Sena ministers Uday Samant and Sanjay Rathod, party’s national general secretary Abhijit Adsul and Vidarbha convenor MLC Bachchu Kadu. From BJP, only state general secretary Sanjay Kute was invited. But BJP state spokesman Shivrai Kulkarni said the party is fully behind the alliance candidate.BALLOT PAPERS PRINTED, PLEA AGAINST NOMINATION REJECTION FUTILE: GOVT TO HCThe state govt has informed the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court that a writ petition challenging the rejection of a nomination for the Amravati Division Teachers’ Constituency election no longer serves any practical purpose since ballot papers have already been printed.The petition was filed by Ghazi Mohammad Zerrarosh Ghazi, whose nomination the returning officer rejected. The govt had earlier informed the court that the application had defects.Kalyani Marpakwar, counsel for the state govt, submitted before the division bench of Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Rajnish Vyas that the scope for judicial intervention was limited and no relief could be granted at this stage. She added that the petitioner still had the option of filing an election petition.The petitioner sought one day’s time to cite instances where courts intervened even after ballot papers were printed. The court posted the matter for further hearing on Thursday.CANDIDATE SEEKS DISQUALIFICATION OF 5 RIVALSAmravati: Candidate Anil Kale has petitioned State Election Commission seeking disqualification of five rivals in the Amravati Division Teachers’ Constituency election. The petition dated Oct 12 seeks a summary inquiry, seizure of evidence, cancellation of Avinash Borde’s nomination and criminal prosecution of the others.Kale alleged Congress candidate Aditi Pohare used the “Professor” prefix without holding the post. He claimed her agent, a college principal, was ineligible as an election agent.He alleged sitting MLC and Mahayuti nominee Kiranrao Sarnaik used the “Advocate” title without credentials and distributed Rs 2,000 per voter and Paithani sarees. Kale cited CCTV and audio recordings as proof.Kale alleged independent Suresh Devkar distributed personalised calendars to voters.He claimed VIJUCTA’s Borde was disqualified for having three children. He also alleged Shiv Sena rebel Shrikant Deshpande used both “Professor” and “Advocate” titles without credentials.No order has been passed yet and candidates’ responses are awaited.
