Navi Mumbai BJP chief Sandeep Naik to quit party, may contest on Sharad Pawar's NCP ticket: Sources
After a dismal performance in the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is hopeful for the revival of the electoral fortune in the assembly elections. Maharashtra will vote on November 20 in a single phase and the count of votes will take place on November 23.
Navi Mumbai district Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Sandeep Naik may quit the party after being denied a ticket for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, said the sources. He wants to contest from the Navi Mumbai's Belapur seat but the party has again nominated the sitting MLA Manda Mhatre from the seat.
It would be a big setback if Naik quits the BJP ahead of a crucial election as his family has a hold in the Belapur constituency.
Upset with ticket denial, Naik is in touch with Sharad Pawar's National Congress Party (NCP), the sources said.
Today Sandeep Naik will hold a meeting with his supporters and will announce his decision on contesting the election, they added.
Meanwhile, the BJP gave a ticket to Sandeep's father Ganesh Naik from Navi Mumbai's Airoli seat.
Efforts are being made by the BJP to persuade Sandeep, the sources said.
One of the constituents of the Mahayuti alliance, the BJP declared 99 candidates in the first list including Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule.