Andheri By-poll: Maharashtra BJP chief says party won't contest, Murji Patel to withdraw nomination

The Maharashtra BJP Chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday said that the saffron party will not be contesting by-polls for Andheri East constituency in Mumbai which was necessitated after sitting MLA Ramesh Latke from Shiv Sena passed away in May this year.

Bawankule also said that Murji Patel will withdraw his nomination by Monday evening. October 17, Monday, is the last day to withdraw nominations for the November 3 bypoll to be conducted in the city.

Bawankule also assured that Patel would not contest as an independent or rebel, while Latke welcomed the development.

This move comes after MNS chief Raj Thackeray, NCP Supremo Sharad Pawar and leaders from other parties urged the saffron party to not contest the bypoll and let Rutuja Latke win unopposed.

Tweeting the letter, Raj Thackeray, wrote, "I, on behalf of my party, adopt a policy of not contesting the election if possible in such a situation when the family members of the late MLA contest the election. I feel that by doing so, we pay tribute to the late representative of the people. My heart tells me that we should do the same."

Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis had yesterday said that although Raj Thackeray's intentions are good, but the decision will be announced by party's top brass. "We will also have to discuss with our ally Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena. Only then I can comment on this,’’ he noted.

With agency inputs