Pune: Political Turmoil Unfolds in Maval as Incumbent MLA and MP Exchange Barbs Over Lok Sabha Candidature

Pune: In the heart of Pune’s Maval Lok Sabha constituency, a political storm brews as incumbent MLA Sunil Shelke and sitting MP Srirang Barne engage in a heated exchange of accusations regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha candidature. The rift between the two leaders has intensified, with Shelke recently vocalising his opposition to Barne’s candidacy, advocating instead for the BJP to receive the nomination.

Shelke’s dissent drew a swift response from Srirang Barne, who staunchly reaffirmed his candidacy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to the media in Maval, Barne asserted his belief in securing the nomination, emphasising that his candidature had already received approval from top party leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Dismissing Shelke’s opposition as inconsequential, Barne said that in a democratic system, every party has a right to seek nominations. However, he also expressed his confidence in the forthcoming discussions slated to take place in Mumbai. Emphasising his unwavering determination, Barne reiterated his conviction in securing the candidature for the Maval Lok Sabha seat in 2024.

Refusing to be drawn into discussions surrounding specific parties or individuals, Barne brushed aside Shelke’s statements, highlighting the ongoing rift within the Mahayuti alliance over seat allocations. As tensions escalate between the incumbent MLA, affiliated with the Nationalist Ajit Pawar group, and the incumbent MP, aligned with the Shiv Sena Shinde faction, political experts said that Maval braces for a period of heightened political animosity characterised by accusations and counter-accusations in the coming time.