Nashik, Satara seats could be swapped

In Nashik, during the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, undivided Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena’s had romped home.

Mumbai: The two prestigious Maharashtra seats - Nashik and Satara - may be possibly swapped between the Maha Yuti allies because of the changing political dynamics and accommodate high-profile leaders. 

In Nashik, during the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, undivided Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena’s Hemant Godse had defeated undivided NCP’s Sameer Bhujbal, who is the nephew of veteran politician Chhagan Bhujbal.

Post the Shiv Sena split, Godse had aligned with Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde while the Bhujbals are part of the NCP led by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar.

In Satara, during the 2009, 2014, 2019, Sharad Pawar-led NCP’s Udayan Raje Bhosale, the 13th descendent of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,  emerged victorious.

However, he resigned the seat and joined the BJP to contest the bye-elections along with the Vidhan Sabha polls in 2019, and got defeated by IAS officer-turned-politician Shriniwas Patil, who is a close friend of Sharad Pawar. Subsequently, Udayan Raje was made a Rajya Sabha member. 

Now Udayan Raje is keen to contest the Lok Sabha polls and has impressed upon BJP’s deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and also met union home minister Amit Shah.  

On the other hand, Bhujbal, a veteran OBC leader, has sought the Nashik seat.

In wake of the changed situation, the BJP-led alliance is contemplating swapping the seats. 

A reportedly upset Godse is in touch with Shinde even as his supporters have openly expressed anguish.