Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Big rallies lined up for Maval candidates

With elections a week away, top political leaders are making a beeline to Panvel, which falls under Maval Lok Sabha constituency.

The constituency has come into prominence following the nomination of NCP leader Ajit Pawar’s son Parth as the Congress-NCP candidate from here.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar, who decided not to contest the elections this time to make way for his grand-nephew, will address a rally in Kharghar on Tuesday.

A political observer said, “Panvel did not figure high on the campaign list of top leaders in the previous Lok Sabha elections. However, Parth contesting from here has made all the difference. It has become a matter of prestige.”

MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who has been going all out against the BJP government, will address a rally in Kamothe on Thursday.

The political observer said, “The NCP is going all out to ensure that the Pawar family member causes an upset and emerges victorious. It has also roped in Raj Thackeray to make campaigning stronger.”

Around the same time as the NCP rally, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis will address a gathering at Kamothe for the sitting MP Shrirang Barne.

The observer said, “The Shiv Sena-BJP alliance wants to ensure that its citadel remains intact.”

Union minister Nitin Gadkari will address a rally in Rasayani on Friday.

BJP president Amit Shah will campaign in Pimpri area of the constituency on Wednesday. He will be followed by Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday, who will address a rally at the same venue.

First Published: Apr 23, 2019 11:20 IST