Nagpur: The bypoll to the Nagpur local authorities constituency of Maharashtra Legislative Council has turned into an internal battle within BJP, with the Mahayuti enjoying an overwhelming numerical advantage that places opposition on the back foot even before nominations begin.The seat fell vacant after Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule resigned from Legislative Council following his victory from Kamptee Assembly constituency in 2024 elections. Election Commission on Monday announced the schedule for the bypoll, setting off intense lobbying within BJP over who will inherit what is widely being viewed as a virtually assured victory.Among names doing the rounds in are state spokesperson Dr Rajiv Potdar, corporator Virendra Kukreja, ex-mayor Anil Sole, city president Dayashankar Tiwari and others, as per BJP functionaries. However, party insiders say the BJP’s history of springing last-minute surprises in Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council selections has fuelled speculation that an entirely new candidate could emerge at the final moment.According to BJP sources, the electoral arithmetic strongly favours the ruling alliance. Out of the total 896 voters in the constituency, only 826 are effectively eligible due to vacancies in Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis. BJP alone commands 520 votes, accounting for nearly 63% of the effective strength. Along with 30 votes of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and nine members of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, the Mahayuti tally rises to 559 votes.The nomination process will continue till June 1, and BJP leaders say behind-the-scenes negotiations are still underway. The winner, will enjoy only a brief tenure, with the term lasting till Jan 1, 2028 — effectively giving the candidate less than 2 years in the Council.
