MVA rebels: Some resolute, some relent

CAUTION | Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar warned of action if rebels did not withdraw

- Prajakta Pol

November 4 was a crucial day for the Maharashtra assembly elections, marking the final deadline for candidates to withdraw nominations by 3.00 pm. Senior leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) worked to persuade rebel candidates to step down. While some complied, others remained resolute.

Monday afternoon, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar held a press conference, warning that strict action would follow if rebels did not withdraw.

Abrupt volte-face in Kolhapur

In the Kolhapur North constituency, the Congress had initially nominated Madhurima Raje, the daughter-in-law of MP Shahu Maharaj Chhatrapati.

However, on Monday, Raje withdrew her nomination, putting the MVA in a difficult position, as they no longer have an official candidate there. This withdrawal led to frustration from Satej Patil, who had been working to address internal conflicts. In particular, Patil had been trying to persuade rebel Congress leader Rajesh Latkar to step down. Patil expressed anger over Madhurima Raje's withdrawal, saying, "If she didn't intend to run, why did she file the nomination at all?" Now, with Raje's exit, MVA will support Congress rebel Rajesh Latkar, said Congress state president Nana Patole.

Grim situation in Versova