Springing a major surprise, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has named former Mayor of Nagpur Maya Iwnate as its candidate for Rajya Sabha polls. BJP declared a list of four whom it has fielded for Rajya Sabha polls. Apart from Iwnate, names of Republican Party of India chief and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, who is set for another term in the Upper House, BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde, who is looking to enter the Rajya Sabha for the first time, figured in the list. Fourth name is of Ramrao Wadkute, a senior leader from Hingoli. Iwnate was Mayor of Nagpur from December 15, 2007 to December 23, 2009.

 

 

She is active in Nagpur city BJP since many years. Known for her long-standing involvement in local politics, she remained associated with the BJP, contributed to various organisational responsibilities and is among the loyalists of the party. Iwnate belongs to tribal community and worked as a member of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). In recently-held civic body polls, she won from Prabhag 12. In Nagpur Municipal Corporation, Iwnate worked in various positions. Following the declaration of her candidature, Iwnate reached Mumbai to complete the necessary formalities related to the nomination process. Iwnate also served as a Member of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), reflecting her engagement with tribal welfare issues.

 

According to an official press release, signed by party’s National General Secretary and Headquarters In-charge Arun Singh, the names are approved by the party’s Central Election Committee. Tribal leaders and BJP workers from Vidarbha welcomed the nomination of Maya Iwnate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Maharashtra, calling it an honour for the region and recognition of women from the tribal community.