NAGPUR: BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule told the media on Sunday in Koradi that 99% of the party's rebel candidates will withdraw their nominations by the deadline on November 4.
Bawankule said, "We are in discussions with all candidates who were disappointed by not receiving tickets. We expect most will retract their nominations. However, there are 1-2% cases where the situation seems to be out of control."
He further added, "Those who defy the party mandate will face serious consequences; party doors will be closed to them for the next six years."
Addressing the case of Gopal Shetty, two-time MLA from Borivali constituency, who filed as an Independent candidate after the BJP awarded the official ticket to Sanjay Upadhyay, Bawankule expressed confidence. "Gopal Shetty has dedicated his life to the party. This is merely a conflict of opinion. I believe he will reconsider his candidacy before the withdrawal deadline and support Mahayuti's cause," he said.
Responding to a controversial statement by Ulhasnagar BJP district president Pradeep Ramchandani, who claimed that nowadays those who are called traitors become the chief minister, Bawankule said, "I don't know what exactly he said, but all party workers and office bearers must refrain from making statements about Mahayuti leaders. Any childish behaviour or inappropriate remarks will not be tolerated, and explanations will be demanded."
Bawankule also praised Dadarao Keche, Independent candidate from Arvi constituency in Wardha district, who filed for candidacy after the BJP nominated Sumit Wankhede. "I appreciate Dadarao Keche, who recently met Amit Shah and me. Although he was disappointed, he assured us he would withdraw his nomination. Many others in Maharashtra, like Raviraj Deshmukh and Prabhudas Bhilavekar, may have filed nominations but will ultimately withdraw; I am confident of this," he said. Keche withdrew his nomination after his meeting with Shah on Saturday.