Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 | Defections galore in state as politicians scramble for tickets

Mumbai: Call it exchange, swapping, or adjustments, more than half a dozen leaders within the ruling Maha Yuti (NDA) and few in opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (I.N.D.I.A.) have switched parties to get tickets.

Long-time BJP spokesperson and fashion designer Shaina N C was keen to contest the Worli seat against Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Aaditya Thackeray. However, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena refused to contest the seat and fielded Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora from there. Instead, she has been given a Shiv Sena ticket from Mumbadevi, where she would take on Congress’ three-time MLA Amin Patel.

Two former MPs—Sanjaykaka Patil of Sangli and Prataprao Patil Chiklikar—left the BJP to join Ajit Pawar-led NCP and get tickets from Tasgaon Kavthemahankal and Loha, respectively.

While Patil will take on NCP (SP)’s Rohit Patil, the son of former Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, Chikalikar will contest the Loha seat.

Sanjaykaka’s aide and Sangli district BJP President Nishikant Patil will contest the Islampur seat against eight-time MLA and state NCP (SP) President Jayant Patil.

Senior BJP leader Raosaheb Patil-Danve’s daughter Sanjana Jadhav joined Shiv Sena to contest from Kannad. Sanjana would take on her estranged husband Harshavardhan Jadhav, a former MLA of MNS.

Danve’s son Santosh Danve, a two-term MLA, has been renominated from Bhokhardhan by the BJP.

Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Narayan Rane’s son Nilesh joined the Shiv Sena to contest the Kudal seat as it was not included in BJP's share of seats. Nilesh’s brother Nitesh is contesting from Kankavli on a BJP ticket from Arjuna Morgaon after he joined the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.

BJP leader Murji Patel joined the Shiv Sena to contest the Andheri East seat.

The BJP has ensured ticket to Rajkumar Badole

The opposition side too have similar examples.

Actor-activist Swara Bhaskar’s husband Fahad Ahmed left the Samajwadi Party after discussions with Akhilesh Yadav and Abu Asim Azmi, and joined the Sharad Pawar-led NCP to contest the Anushakti Nagar seat against Nawab Malik’s daughter Sana Malik.