Tanpure joins BJP, tipped to be party candidate for MLC elections

Nashik: Former minister and NCP (SP) member Prajakt Tanpure on Saturday joined BJP, along with his supporters from the Rahuri assembly constituency in Ahilyanagar, in the presence of senior party politicians.Tanpure, the nephew of NCP (SP) politician Jayant Patil, is widely expected to be fielded as the BJP’s candidate in the upcoming legislative council (MLC) elections. The deadline for filing nominations is June 1. “Joining BJP is not a one-day decision. After consulting my supporters extensively, it became clear that we should join those governing the state to ensure development of our rural areas. This move is not due to any differences with politicians in NCP (SP), but purely for the region’s progress,” Tanpure said while speaking to the media.Along with Tanpure, local politicians including NCP (SP) Rahuri taluka president Macchindra Sonawane and Rahuri Municipal Council president Bhausaheb More also joined BJP. They were welcomed into the party by state cabinet minister Ravindra Chavan and former Ahilyanagar MP Sujay Vikhe Patil.Tanpure, who served as minister of state during the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) govt, had earlier lost an assembly election to the late Shivaji Kardile. Following Kardile’s demise, a bypoll was necessitated. Tanpure, however, chose not to contest after receiving a call from CM Devendra Fadnavis.“My focus has always been rural development. I was assured that my constituency would get the required support, which is why I stayed away from the bypoll and have now joined BJP. I am ready to take up any responsibility assigned by the party,” he said.Speaking on the development, Jayant Patil expressed surprise, saying “I have not been in contact with him recently. His decision to join BJP is shocking for all of us. He may have taken this step considering the local situation in his constituency and the demand of his supporters, but I do not have details about it.”A senior BJP office bearer in Ahilyanagar indicated that Tanpure’s candidature for the MLC elections was almost certain. “A meeting has been scheduled on Sunday to discuss his candidature. A formal announcement is expected soon after,” the office bearer said.