Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Shrikant Shinde To Contest From Kalyan, Declares Mahayuti Alliance

Mumbai: After a long-time debate over the decision of who will be fielded in Kalyan from the Mahayuti alliance, the ruling parties have finally decided to field sitting MP Shrikant Shinde. According to reports, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made the official announcement of Shinde's canidature from Kalyan on the occasion of BJP's Foundation Day on Saturday.

After addressing party workers during BJP's Foundation Day, Devendra Fadnavis engaged with journalists. He was questioned by journalists from Thane and Kalyan, to which he responded by announcing Shrikant Shinde's candidature.

"There is no opposition from the BJP's end. Shrikant Shinde will be the Shiv Sena candidate in Kalyan and is ready to represent the Mahayuti," said Fadnavis.

"With a considerable mandate and more votes than the previous time, Shrikant Shinde from Kalyan will lead us all, and in that, BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP, Republican Party of India, and RSP will all be supporting him," Devendra Fadnavis reportedly stated.

Meanwhile, the seat for Satara will not be given to the Ajit Pawar camp; it will go to the BJP, and Udyanraje Bhosale will be the candidate there, according to reports citing sources within the BJP. Chhagan Bhujbal's position in Nashik is also certain; he will be supported by the Ajit Pawar camp. Hemant Godse from the Shinde camp has confirmed that the seat will be ours.

Although both camps have put up a strong fight, if we get this seat, BJP can say that it has won, as it is being said. The seat for North-West Mumbai may go to the Shiv Sena, said news reports. In Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, BJP's candidate will be Union Minister Narayan Rane. As for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, it has been confirmed that the candidate will be Sandipan Bhumre from the Shiv Sena camp.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Schedule

Regarding the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections, Maharashtra will conduct its polls across five phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13 and May 20. The results will be announced on June 4. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections, spanning seven phases from April 19 to June 1, will encompass 543 constituencies nationwide.