Chandrakant Patil to file nomination for Kothrud seat on October 24
- Chandrakant Patil, serving as Maharashtra's Minister of Higher and Technical Education, is set to file his nomination papers for the Kothrud Assembly seat on October 24.
- He announced his candidacy through social media, highlighting his desire for support from the Kothrud residents.
- The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi has not announced a candidate for Kothrud, while discontent within the BJP over Patil's candidacy could lead to an independent challenge.
On October 24, 2024, in Pune, India, Maharashtra's Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Chandrakant Patil, will file his nomination papers for the Kothrud Assembly constituency. His announcement came via social media, where he appealed for the support of local constituents, claiming his candidacy was a result of the blessings he received from the Kothrud community. The candidacy comes ahead of statewide Assembly elections and reflects the BJP's strategy in key constituencies. Despite Patil's nomination, there is notable discontent within the BJP ranks. Ujwal Keskar, a BJP leader, voiced his frustrations regarding Patil’s outsider status and claimed he lacks familiarity with local issues. He criticized the BJP for not considering local candidates and announced his intent to run as an independent due to feeling overlooked in favor of Patil. This internal conflict highlights existing divisions within the party as they approach the elections. Moreover, previous local leaders, such as Medha Kulkarni, who could have been contenders, have been reassigned, impacting the local leadership landscape. The dissatisfaction among local party members suggests potential challenges for Patil in solidifying support during the electoral race. The dynamics of candidate selection in Kothrud raise questions about voter turnout and support for the BJP, making the upcoming elections crucial for both Patil and the party amid rising competition from independent candidates.