The BJP’s decision to field Sudhakar Kohale for the Nagpur Division Graduates' Constituency election has triggered a challenge from within, with former MLC Prof Anil Sole remaining firm on contesting the polls despite efforts by the party leadership to persuade him to withdraw his candidature. On the last day of withdrawal, Sole did not withdraw and went ahead to open his campaign office. The BJP’s internal troubles deepened as former MLC Girish Vyas resigned from the party's primary membership and all organisational posts, while extending his support to Independent candidate Prof Anil Sole. Sole, a former MLC who was denied the BJP ticket, has refused to withdraw his candidature and expressed confidence in winning the election. Vyas's decision to quit the party and back Sole has added a new dimension to the BJP's efforts to manage the fallout from its candidate selection. His support also brings into focus the dissatisfaction among sections of the party following the denial of the nomination to Sole.

 

Speaking to ‘The Hitavada’, Sole said he had repeatedly urged the party leadership to identify a suitable candidate, but his suggestions had been ignored. “I am confident of winning. I have been suggesting party leaders to search a good candidate. But nobody listened. Now I am in the fray and I shall win," Sole said. According to highly placed sources, BJP State President Ravindra Chavan had visited Sole's residence to persuade him to reconsider his decision. However, Sole has remained firm on contesting as an Independent. Meanwhile, the nomination withdrawal process has concluded, with 16 of the 54 candidates withdrawing their nominations.

 

The candidature of the remaining 38 candidates stands intact, setting the stage for a multi-cornered contest. The BJP is now faced with the challenge of consolidating its organisational machinery behind Kohale while dealing with the political implications of Vyas's resignation and his open support for Sole. The party's election management team has been tasked with coordinating campaign activities. For the Congress, Wanjari is seeking to retain the constituency. However, the BJP's internal differences and the presence of Sole as an Independent have added another dimension to the electoral contest. Polling for the Nagpur Division Graduates' Constituency is scheduled for October 23, with counting on October 27. The coming days will be crucial as candidates intensify their campaigns and parties attempt to mobilise graduates registered as voters.