The NCP intends to run Eknath Khadse in the June 20 State Council Election

Eknath Khadse's political "sansyas" appear to be over, as he is expected to be nominated for the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections on 20. Khadse joined the NCP after leaving the BJP in October 2020, blaming former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for directing his political career. The NCP intends to run Khadse against Fadnavis and the BJP in and out of the state legislature, primarily to counter opposition charges.

 

Khadse, who is under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate for alleged financial irregularities in the land deal, was recommended for nomination to the state council from the Governor's quota by the NCP. Despite repeated reminders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, Governor BS Koshyari has yet to nominate Khadse and 11 others to the state council.

 

The ED served an eviction notice on Khadse and four others last week in connection with 11 immovable properties in Lonavala, Pune, Jalgaon, Nashik, Mumbai and Surat, including lands, bungalows, plots, and flats. In addition, the NCP intends to renominate Ramraje Nimbalkar for the second seat. Nimbalkar is the current Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council and a close confidant of NCP President Sharad Pawar. The NCP, which will run for two seats, is expected to announce its nominees on Wednesday, as the deadline for filing nominations for the state council elections on June 20 is June 9.

 

Shiv Sena, on the other hand, is expected to renominate veteran party leader and Industry Minister Subhash Desai. In addition,  former Minister Sachin Ahir and party leader Amasha Padvi from the tribal-dominated Nandurbar district have been named. The Congress Party has yet to receive high command approval for its nominee.

 

 

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