Mon Nov 04 17:00:06 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Assembly Elections: Rebel Candidates Withdraw Nominations, Clearing Path for Major Alliances

**MUMBAI (November 4, 2024):** As the deadline for withdrawal of nominations for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections closed on Monday, a wave of withdrawals from rebel candidates cleared the path for the major political alliances. A total of 3,203 candidates withdrew their nominations, significantly impacting the race for seats in the upcoming elections.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) played a key role in convincing several rebels, including former BJP MP Gopal Shetty, to withdraw their independent nominations. The BJP’s ally, Shiv Sena, also managed to withdraw its rebel candidate Dhanraj Mahale, paving the way for the NCP’s Narhari Zirwal to contest the Deolali seat.

Notable withdrawals on the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) side included Congress rebel Mukhtar Shaikh, Madhu Chavan, and candidate Madhurima Raje Chhatrapati. The Sena (UBT) withdrew its own candidates in Pen, Panvel, and Alibaug, supporting the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP).

These withdrawals came after strict warnings from Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and Nana Patole against rebels contesting against their alliance’s official candidates.

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil also withdrew his independent candidates, citing the delay in the release of candidate lists from Dalits and other organizations. Former BJP MP Gopal Shetty withdrew his candidacy after being convinced by BJP leader Vinod Tawade, paving the way for a direct contest between BJP’s Sanjay Upadhyay and Shiv Sena’s candidate in Borivali.

With several rebel candidates withdrawing, the upcoming elections are now set to be a major battle between the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance and the MVA, with key contests taking place in seats like Kasba Peth, Kolhapur North, and Mahim. The outcome of the elections, which will be held on November 20, will have significant implications for the political landscape of Maharashtra.

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