The BJP on Monday averted a major embarrassment in the Nagpur Division Graduates' Constituency election, with rebel leader Prof Anil Sole agreeing to support the party’s official candidate, Sudhakar Kohale, following a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Former MLC Girish Vyas, who had resigned from the BJP’s primary membership and all party posts in support of Sole, has also withdrawn his resignation. After a day of back-to-back meetings with BJP MLAs, MPs, corporators and party functionaries, Fadnavis visited Sole's residence to persuade him to support Kohale. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, State BJP Vice President Dr Upendra Kothekar accompanied him.

 

The meeting assumed significance as Sole had entered the contest as an Independent after being denied Contd from page 1 the BJP ticket, while Vyas had openly backed his candidature. Speaking to mediapersons alongside Sole after the meeting, Fadnavis said both leaders had agreed to work for Kohale’s victory. “We have also heard their grievances, including the concern that senior leaders are being ignored these days. We will take note of these concerns, and the party will work on them,” Fadnavis said. He said that he would discuss the issue with party’s senior leaders and would be given some responsibilities to those working for the party for long years. Fadnavis made it clear that Sole had expressed disappointment over party’s working style.

 

He did not have any complaint against any decision. The Chief Minister’s intervention came amid co1ncerns that the rebellion by Sole, a former MLC from the constituency, and Vyas’ support for him could affect the BJP’s campaign against Congress sitting MLC Adv Abhijeet Wanjari. The development marks a significant political turnaround for the BJP, which had intensified efforts to contain dissent and ensure that its leaders and grassroots workers rallied behind Kohale. Fadnavis’ assurance that the grievances of the two senior leaders would be addressed appears to have helped the party leadership secure their support. 

 

 

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday held a series of back-to-back meetings with BJP MLAs, MPs, corporators, city unit office-bearers and Mandal-level functionaries to review the party’s position in Nagpur Division Graduates’ Constituency election on Monday at Hotel North Star at Koradi. He directed them to work unitedly for the victory of the BJP’s official candidate, Sudhakar Kohale, and issued a warning against anti-party activities. Fadnavis reportedly stressed that all party functionaries must work for the official candidate rather than pursue individual interests. The meetings brought together elected representatives and organisational leaders, with an emphasis on coordinated campaigning and mobilising graduate voters across the constituency.

 

The Chief Minister’s warning against anti-party activities also signalled the leadership’s concern over possible dissent within the organisation. Party functionaries were expected to extend full support to Kohale. The BJP has fielded Kohale against Congress sitting MLC Adv Abhijeet Wanjari, who is seeking re-election. Fadnavis reviewed the party’s campaign strategy with elected representatives, city unit office-bearers and Mandal-level functionaries, urging them to coordinate their efforts and mobilise graduate voters in support of Kohale. The contest pits Kohale against Congress sitting MLC Adv Abhijeet Wanjari, who is seeking re-election.