Mumbai: In a major upset, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday denied party ticket to his most trusted aide Bala Nandgaonkar from Shivdi assembly constituency. In the second list of 45 candidates that was released here today, the MNS chief has instead nominated Santosh Nalavade from Shivdi constituency. In the 45 names declared in the second list, there is no word as yet whether the party intends to field any candidate against Yuva Sena chief and Shiv Sena candidate, Aditya Thackeray from the Worli assembly constituency.
Sources disclosed that there have been backroom talks between the MNS and Sena and within the Thackeray family over Aditya taking the electoral plunge and the need to ensure a safe passage for him to the Vidhan Sabha.
However, what has raised eyebrows in political circles is over the denial of party ticket to party loyalist Bala Nandgaonkar. It may be recalled that ever since Raj Thackeray walked out of the Sena in 2007, Nandgaonkar has been his most loyal aide. While many others left the party later on, the former Shivsainik stayed loyal to the MNS chief. Prior to 2004 elections Nandgaonkar had represented the erstwhile constituency of Mazgaon defeating Sena’s arch rival Chhagan Bhujbal. After joining the MNS, Nandgaonkar retained the new Shivdi seat in the 2009 polls. He however lost the seat in the 2014 assembly elections.
The other MNS candidates from Mumbai and Thane district include – Kishor Rane (Andheri West), Sumit Bharaskar (Chandivali), Satish Pawar (Ghatkopar East), Vijay Raorane (Anushaktinagar), Keshav Mulye (Mumbadevi) and Juilee Shende (Vile Parle). The MNS candidates in Thane district include – Mandar Halbe (Dombivali), Nagesh Mukadam (Bhiwandi West), Manoj Gudvi (Bhiwandi East), Nilesh Bankhele (Airoli), Mahesh Kadam (Kopri-Panchpakhadi), Sumet Bhanvar (Ambernath), Sunil Nibhad (Dahanu) and Dinkar Vadhvan (Boisar) amongst others.
