​Both BJP, Sena stake claim over candidature of Aurangabad-cum-Jalna local authorities’ constituency polls

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The announcement of MLC polls for the local authorities’ constituency of Aurangabad-cum-Jalna has sparked differences between the BJP and Shiv Sena, with both parties expressing desire to field their candidates.

Ambadas Danve of the undivided Shiv Sena had won the last election with support from BJP in Aug 2019 by bagging around 81% of the total votes.

BJP cabinet minister Atul Save said his party has the maximum number of elected representatives in the constituency. “There is further considerable rise in the elected representatives of BJP as compared to the last election. It leaves no scope to others,” he said.

On the other hand, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar guardian minister Sanjay Shirsat said his party will not give up the seat at any cost. “Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde and other senior leaders are expected to take a final call on the name of the candidate,” he said.

There are over 600 elected representatives from different local self-governing bodies in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) and Jalna districts who will be voters for the MLC polls concerned.

Separately in Nanded, a similar election will be another test for BJP Rajya Sabha member Ashok Chavan. Amarnath Rajurkar had won the last election when he along with Chavan were in Congress. Considered as a close confidant of Chavan, Rajurkar also joined BJP along with Chavan and expected to get another opportunity.

Local Authorities’ constituencies for Parbhani-cum-Hingoli and Osmanabad-cum-Latur-cum-Beed are also scheduled for June 18 and expected to produce friction between ruling parties over declaring candidates.​ The counting of votes is scheduled for June 22, show official schedule.