Lok Sabha Elections: Hemant Patil’s Fate Hangs in Balance After Supporters Protest Outside Chief Minister’s Residence Over Candidature Dispute

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Tensions escalated in the Hingoli Lok Sabha Constituency as supporters of Mahayuti candidate and Shinde group leader Hemant Patil grew increasingly aggressive amid calls for a change in his candidature. The dispute led to protests outside the bungalow of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, with activists staging a sit-in demonstration and chanting slogans in support of Patil.

Despite attempts by Patil and Minister Sanjay Rathod to pacify the demonstrators, the agitation persisted for around half an hour, reflecting the intensity of the sentiment among Patil’s supporters. They voiced concerns that Patil deserved fair treatment and insisted on a positive decision regarding his nomination.

The discord over Patil’s candidature has strained relations within the grand alliance, with Shiv Sena’s announcement of his candidacy facing opposition from local BJP leaders and workers. This opposition was reinforced during a BJP review meeting, where leaders took a firm stance against supporting Patil if he were to be nominated.

Given the mounting resistance against Patil, efforts to alter his candidature have gained momentum. Local BJP leaders have voiced their grievances to senior alliance leaders, including Fadnavis, urging the cancellation of Patil’s nomination. Reports have also emerged suggesting that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is considering a change in Patil’s candidature.

In response to these developments, Patil and his supporters, numbering in the hundreds and traveling in a convoy of cars, directly confronted the Chief Minister at Varsha Bungalow in Mumbai. While Patil presented his case, his supporters rallied outside, vehemently opposing any move to revoke his candidature.

The outcome of this dispute remains uncertain, as the decision regarding Patil’s candidature lies in the hands of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The standoff underscores the deep-seated divisions within the grand alliance and the challenges of reconciling conflicting interests within the coalition.

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