Two more candidates may contest from Pune

PUNE: Other than the four high-profile candidates contesting for the Pune Lok Sabha seat, two more candidates expressed their will to contest the LS elections from here on Wednesday. State secretary of Rashtriya Janta Dal Ashok Boinwad and independent candidate Amanullah Khan, in two separate news conferences, declared that they will submit their nomination in the next few days.Interestingly, both candidates underscored that the slum dwellers' votes will pave the way to victory.
Speaking to mediapersons, Ashok Boinwad said, "RJD candidates have won municipal elections from Katol and some parts of Vidarbha in the recent past. Fighting the Lok Sabha elections is an opportunity, the RJD will contest at least five seats in Pune and Vidarbha region, this will help the party prepare itself for the assembly elections."
"Except Baramati constituency, RJD candidates will contest from the remaining three constituencies in Pune. We will not contest from Baramati because we respect Sharad Pawar," he said, adding that the names of candidates from Shirur and Maval will be announced by Friday and all candidates will submit their nominations by April 4.
Independent candidate Amanullah Khan said, "I have been socially active in Pune for the last few decades. All parties have neglected Muslim, dalits and workers in the unorganised sectors. I am contesting the election as their representative." Khan was earlier associated with some political parties like Bharip-Bahujan Mahasangh and Republican Party of India among others.