Rahul Kalate does not budge, it's a triangular fight in Chinchwad

PUNE: The Chinchwad assembly constituency bypoll is headed for a triangular fight with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Rahul Kalate refusing to withdraw his nomination as an independent candidate on Friday despite several attempts by seniors in his party and the NCP leaders to convince him for staying away from the fray.

Friday was the last day for withdrawal of nominations. Kalate had also spoken to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. But later in the afternoon, Kalate said he would fight the bypoll considering the "sentiments of his workers and supporters".

Kalate's deceision may lead to division of votes which can have an impact on the prospects of NCP's Nana Kate, who is the MVA's candidate for the Chinchwad bypoll. The BJP has fielded Ashwini Jagtap, wife of ex-MLA Laxman Jagtap whose demise in January necessitated the by-election.

Attempts to pacify Kalate, who has a considerable backing in the constituency, continued for the past couple of days. On Friday morning, Sena (UBT) leader Sachin Ahir met and urged Kalate to withdraw his nomination on the ground that their party has vouched full support to Kate.

After a meeting with Ahir, Kalate said he would speak with his workers to decide his further plan of action. The suspense continued till afternoon. After the end of the deadline for withdrawal of nominations, Kalate announced that he has continued with his candidature.

"Leaders from all MVA partners contacted me for the withdrawal. Buy my supporters pushed me to contest this bypoll. During the pre-election discussions, I had expressed my willingness to fight the polls. I was ready to contest even on an NCP ticket. But I was not considered," Kalate said.

NCP leader Ajit Pawar had on Thursday directed his party workers to take up an aggressive campaign to ensure a win in the constituency.

Sources in the MVA said the Shiv Sena (UBT) wanted to fight the Chinchwad seat, but it went to NCP. An NCP leader said Kalate had fought the 2019 assembly polls as an independent, but the NCP's support had helped him secure over 1.10 lakh votes.

Among the three assembly seats in the Pimpri Chinchwad area, the NCP had won Pimpri. Chinchwad and Bhosari were secured by the BJP. The NCP is eyeing regain the Chinchwad seat ahead of the 2014 Assembly polls.

Santosh Bhosale, Shiv Sena's Pimpri Chinchwad chief, said there was no question to support any other candidate than Kate. "Our entire force is with Kate," he said.

A BJP leader said voters had favoured Laxman Jagtap in the 2019 polls for the latter's "relentless works". He said, "The party has given a candidature within the Jagtap family to complete Laxman Jagtap's dreams."


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