BJP asks Sena to withdraw Srinivas Vanaga

Mumbai: Embarrassed over the Palghar by-poll, the BJP has put forth a proposal to Shiv Sena to withdraw candidature of Srinivas Vanaga who is contesting the seat on a Sena ticket.

However, the Sena is firm about contesting the by-election solo. In the Palus Assembly by-poll, Sena is supporting Congress candidate Vishwajit Kadam who is pitted against BJP candidate Sangramsinh Deshmukh.

BJP has made a proposal to the Sena that if the latter withdraws candidature of Srinivas Vanaga in Palghar, the latter will be offered a Lok Sabha or Legislative Council seat in future. BJP seems to be in a mood for compromise with the Sena as chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is of the view that the party will find it difficult to win in Palghar with the Sena pitted against it.

The BJP has also offered to support the Congress in Palus if the party withdraws its candidate in Palghar. However, both the Congress and the Sena are unwilling to accept any such compromise, said sources.

Meanwhile, Sena MP Sanjay Raut issued a press release on behalf of party chief Uddhav Thackeray, declaring support to Congress candidate Mr Kadam against BJP’s Mr Deshmukh.

BJP sources said that the Sena was bent on creating trouble for the BJP in these elections.