Praveen Gaikwad joins Congress, may contest from Pune Lok Sabha seat

NPnews24 Online : Pune – In a major shot in the arm, Maratha leader Praveen Gaikwad, who was considered best bait for Congress against BJP’s Girish Bapat, formally joined the Congress party in Mumbai.

Gaikwad may be pitted against Girish Bapat of BJP, by Congress from Pune Lok Sabha constituency.

Sources in the Congress party said that Gaikwad is the best candidate given his past social work and connect with the dominant Maratha community. Gaikwad’s name has also been suggested to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, sources said.

After the BJP announced Bapat’s name, it is expected that Congress-NCP alliance will declare their candidate soon.