BJP-led Mahayuti stake claim to form Dharashiv Zilla Parishad without Sawant

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The Mahayuti alliance comprising BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP moved to form the ruling body in the 55-member Dharashiv Zilla Parishad, claiming to secure the required majority, even as efforts are on to sideline Bhoom-Paranda MLA Tanaji Sawant from the power arrangement. To secure control of the Dharashiv ZP, at least 28 members are required. Sources said BJP's 19 members, 6 members of NCP, 4 independents and at least 2 members from the Sena came together, taking the tally beyond the halfway mark. This formation is also backed by Dharashiv district guardian minister Pratap Sarnaik. The political developments came despite Sawant, a former guardian minister, opposing a post-poll alliance with the BJP. Of the 15 Sena members, 8 were elected from Bhoom-Paranda-Washi segment under Sawant's leadership after he chose to challenge Mahayuti. The remaining 7 were elected from other constituencies — 4 from Umarga-Lohara under the leadership of Usha Gaikwad and former MLA Dnyanraj Chougule, and 3 from Tuljapur and Dharashiv segments with the support of Archana Patil. BJP MLA Rana Jagjitsinh Patil is said to be co-ordinating the exercise. According to sources, Patil, along with the 4 independents, 19 BJP members, 6 NCP members and at least 2 Sena members, is currently touring outside Maharashtra. The group is awaiting official notification for election of zilla parishad president and vice-president and is expected to return once it is issued to participate in the election process. Despite repeated attempts, MLA Patil could not be reached for comment. Sources said a formula is being discussed under which Archana Patil, wife of Rana Jagjitsinh Patil, may be elected president, while Ushatai Gaikwad, wife of former MP Ravindra Gaikwad, could be chosen as vice-president, indicating that both key posts may be held by women. Meanwhile, Sawant is reportedly exploring options to join hands with the Shiv Sena (UBT) to stake claim to power in the district council. Leaders aligned with deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde reportedly conveyed that the board should be formed with Mahayuti partners, without accommodating Sawant and his supporters. In the recent zilla parishad elections, BJP emerged as the single largest party with 19 seats, followed by the Shinde-led Sena with 15 and NCP with 6 seats. Former MP Gaikwad said, "We left the decision with our party chief Eknath Shinde. He will take the decision along with CM Devendra Fadnavis. As far as MLA Tanaji Sawant is concerned, we are confident that when the party chief decides, he, too, will come with us."