Two senior Sena leaders lock horns over party ticket for Nashik seat

NASHIK: Two prominent Shiv Sena leaders are currently fighting for the party ticket from the

Nashik

Lok Sabha constituency.


Sitting Sena MP, Hemant Godse, and district party chief, Vijay Karanjkar, have made several visits to Matoshree to lobby for their candidatures.

In fact, Karanjkar has met party chief Uddhav Thackeray two times in the last one month. Godse too said he's in regular touch with high command.

Karanjkar had an unsuccessful shot at the party ticket in the 2014 elections. That year, he appeared confident he was the party's frontrunner for the ticket, until a last-minute decision by high command handed the ticket to Godse.

This year, he said he maintains the same level of confidence. “I was told I would be given a chance in the next election. So I am confident of getting that ticket. I have met with Uddhav Thackeray twice,” Karanjkar said.

He added that the party's strength has grown in the district under his leadership. “During my tenure as the district Sena chief, the party's strength in the

Nashik Municipal Corporation

has grown from 19 to 36. Sena did not have representation within the municipal councils and panchayat samitis. And in

Bhagur

- my hometown - Sena has been in power in the local municipal council for the past 25 years. I have worked for the people,” Karanjkar said.

However, Sena insiders said Godse remains an extremely strong contender for the ticket. "He's very popular with the voters. And he has done a lot for Nashik," one member said.

Godse said the final decision rests with high command. “I'm definitely interested in contesting the elections again. All Shiv Sainiks have the right to seek a ticket. Our party chief will take the final decision,” said Godse.

He added that Nashik can expect the launch of new projects if he's elected again. “I have brought many projects to the city. If I am re-elected, I will ensure all approved projects move ahead. New projects too will be brought in,” he said.