BJP-led Mahayuti set to win all 17 seats in MLC polls, says Bawankule

Amravati: Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday expressed confidence that Mahayuti candidates would win all 17 seats in the Legislative Council elections. He was speaking to reporters after accompanying BJP candidate Pravin Pote Patil to the collectorate to file his nomination papers.Bawankule said the alliance's seat-sharing arrangement was finalised unanimously by Mahayuti's senior functionaries after considering local political equations and constituency strengths. Under the formula, BJP will contest 11 seats, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) four, and NCP two.Asked about former MP Navneet Rana and MLA Ravi Rana, Bawankule said both would remain with Mahayuti. "I will speak to them after they return from Delhi. I had wanted them to accompany me for Pote Patil's nomination filing. I spoke to Ravi Rana today and am confident both will actively support our candidate," he said.Responding to criticism over the BJP fielding ‘outsiders', Bawankule said the party respects long-serving workers while also providing opportunities to capable individuals. Maintaining a balance between experienced and new entrants was essential for organisational growth, he added.On the OBC reservation issue, Bawankule said the alliance was awaiting the Supreme Court's verdict, which would bring clarity on several issues related to local body elections, including zilla parishads. He noted that the apex court had earlier ruled that reservations should not exceed 50%.Highlighting Pote Patil's candidature from the Amravati Local Authorities Constituency, Bawankule cited his organisational and social work, including healthcare initiatives during the Covid-19 pandemic. He expressed confidence that the BJP would secure a record margin in the election.