NCP(SP) Announces Govind Mokate as Candidate for Rahuri Bypoll Amid Tanpure's Withdrawal

Original: Former NCP(SP) MLA Prajakt Tanpure goes ‘incommunicado’; Sharad Pawar’s party fields Govind Mokate as Rahuri bypoll candidate

The Indian Express•Apr 6, 20262 min

In a Nutshell

The Nationalist Congress Party (SP) in Maharashtra has nominated Govind Mokate for the upcoming Rahuri Assembly bypoll after former candidate Prajakt Tanpure withdrew from the race. The bypoll, scheduled for April 23, follows the death of BJP MLA Shivajirao Kardile, with the BJP fielding his son, Akshay Kardile.

Key Points

01Govind Mokate is the NCP(SP) candidate for the Rahuri Assembly bypoll.
02Prajakt Tanpure withdrew from the race after discussions with BJP leaders.
03The bypoll is set for April 23 following the death of BJP MLA Shivajirao Kardile.
04The Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition supports Mokate's candidacy.
05Congress is prepared to contest if NCP(SP) opts out.

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Full Summary

On the final day for filing nominations, Shashikant Shinde, the Maharashtra chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (SP), announced Govind Mokate as the candidate for the Rahuri Assembly bypoll. This decision came after former minister Prajakt Tanpure backed out of the race, reportedly following a meeting with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state chief Ravindra Chavan. The Rahuri seat became vacant after the death of BJP MLA Shivajirao Kardile, who had previously defeated Tanpure in the 2024 Assembly elections. The BJP has nominated Kardile's son, Akshay Kardile, for the bypoll scheduled for April 23. Shinde confirmed that all parties within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition are supporting Mokate's candidacy, emphasizing their commitment to winning the seat. Tanpure, who is the nephew of senior party leader Jayant Patil, reportedly expressed reluctance to contest but faced pressure from his supporters. Despite previously indicating his desire to run, he was also seeking a BJP ticket, leading to his eventual withdrawal.

Key Figures

April 23

Date of the Rahuri Assembly bypoll

2024

Year when Shivajirao Kardile defeated Prajakt Tanpure in the Assembly elections

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Why It Matters

The outcome of the Rahuri bypoll could influence local governance and party dynamics in Maharashtra, particularly for the NCP(SP) and its coalition partners.

Who is affected

Voters in Rahuri, local party members, and political stakeholders.

What to know

Voters should stay informed about the candidates and their policies ahead of the bypoll.

FAQ

Prajakt Tanpure withdrew after discussions with BJP leaders and expressed reluctance to contest, despite pressure from his supporters.

The bypoll is significant as it follows the death of BJP MLA Shivajirao Kardile and could impact the political dynamics in the region.

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