The seat is currently being represented by Minister Sunil Deshmukh. Shekhawat’s supporters are upbeat over indications that his candidature has been cleared. They burst crackers and distributed sweets outside the Congress office at Chaubal Vada at Ambapeth and in front of his residence. Deshmukh, who is in New Delhi, said the party high command had asked him to contest from either Achalpur or Teosa.

“I have still not made up my mind. I will decide my future course of action, in consultation with my supporters, when I return to Amravati,” Deshmukh said. Ever since the arrival of Raosaheb on the political scene of Amravati in October last, a cold war was on between him and Deshmukh. Deshmukh has been representing the seat for the last two terms. He had also nurtured the constituency by securing development projects worth over Rs 1,000 crore, party sources said. Shekhavat is likely to file his nomination in a day or two.

Agreement
Meanwhile, the Congress and the NCP arrived at an agreement on seats. The Congress will contest 174 seats and the NCP 114. The two parties will have a joint manifesto, PCC chief Manikrao Thakre and NCP leader Praful Patel said.