The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) State President, Shashikant Shinde, has announced Govind Mokate as the party’s candidate for the Rahuri Assembly seat. This decision comes after former Minister Prajakt Tanpure, who was a probable candidate, withdrew from the race unexpectedly. The bypoll in Rahuri was triggered by the passing of BJP MLA Shivajirao Kardile, who had defeated Tanpure in the 2024 Assembly elections.
The BJP has put forward Kardile’s son, Akshay, as their candidate for the upcoming bypoll on March 23. Shashikant Shinde expressed that all parties within the Maha Vikas Aghadi have extended their support for Mokate’s candidature. Despite Tanpure’s initial intention to contest, he ultimately decided to step back due to pressure from his supporters, leading to Mokate being chosen as the NCP’s candidate.
Prajakt Tanpure’s sudden withdrawal from the electoral race followed a meeting with BJP leaders Ravindra Chavan and Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis played a significant role in convincing Tanpure to withdraw, assuring him of addressing developmental issues in the Rahuri constituency. Tanpure’s social media posts hinting at a potential switch to the BJP had sparked speculation prior to his decision to withdraw.
