Two days after SP MLA Rais Shaikh announced his resignation from the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in protest against the state leadership of the SP failing to address his grievances, speculations are rife that the another SP MLA and party's state president Abu Azmi is likely to join Ajit Pawar-led NCP. According to the sources, NCP leader Praful Patel and Azmi held a meeting in Mumbai late on Sunday night and a decision was taken on his joining. The sources claimed that a senior BJP leader of Maharashtra is mediating Azmi's entry into the ruling alliance as it would help the alliance to gain minority votes in Mumbai. For victory in Parbhani The BJP’s decision to field Rastriya Samaj Party leader Mahadeo Jankar as official candidate from Parbhani meant denial of ticket to Rajesh Vitekar of NCP (AP). Now, to ensure Jankar does not face any problems, the Mahayuti has involved Vitekar to take charge of polls. Apart from that BJP has urged all Maratha leaders to work for Jankar who belongs to Dhangar community and ensure his victory. VBA leaders back MVA candidates Days after Amravati district leadership of Prakash Ambedkar-led VBA extended support to Congress, its Solapur candidate Rahul Gaikwad has announced to withdraw his candidature stating he does not want to make BJP win Solapur by contesting. While Ambedkar is claiming to be garnering support from Muslims and Dalits, his workers on the ground are backing the Opposition.
