Pune: As preparations begin within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council elections, the name of former Vadgaonsheri MLA Jagdish Mulik is gaining attention. Speculation is rife about whether the party will use this opportunity to reinstate him in a political role.

With five Legislative Council seats vacant, elections are scheduled for March 27. Among these, three belong to BJP, while one each is held by Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). Discussions suggest that Mulik could be BJP’s candidate from Pune.

Mulik had initially hoped to contest the Vadgaonsheri Assembly seat, but the Mahayuti alliance allocated the constituency to Ajit Pawar’s NCP, leaving him disappointed. Reports even hinted at potential rebellion. However, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured him of a Legislative Council seat, leading to his name surfacing in discussions now.

In the recent Assembly elections, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) candidate Sunil Tingre lost from Vadgaonsheri, while NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) candidate Bapusaheb Pathare secured victory. With BJP keen to strengthen its presence in Pune, Mulik’s nomination could help maintain the party’s influence in the region.