BJP engages rebels in Maha

Ahead of the November 4 deadline for the withdrawal of nomination for November 20 the Maharashtra elections, the BJP has stepped up efforts to placate rebels.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the party workers, who had filed nomination parallel to the BJP’s official candidate, would be convinced to withdraw in the interest of the organisation. “They are part of the BJP family,” Fadnavis said while interacting with mediapersons in Nagpur, which is his home segment.

Fadnavis is himself

contesting from the Nagpur South-West assembly constituency.

On Maharashtra BJP’s meeting with rebel candidates in Mumbai on Friday, the former Chief Minister said, “They are our own people and it is our responsibility to talk to them and convince them. Often there is resentment over ticket distribution, but we are confident of convincing all of them to work for the party.”

Rebels have the potential to upset the BJP’s calculations in Maharashtra, where ruling Mahayuti and Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi are pitted in against one another in a tough battle.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has personally taken charge of the election strategy in Maharashtra and has directed engagement with rebels.