Mumbai: November 4 was a crucial day for the Maharashtra assembly elections, marking the last deadline for candidates to withdraw their nomination papers by 3 p.m. Senior leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) made efforts to persuade the rebel candidates to step down. While some obeyed, others remained determined.

On Monday afternoon, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar held a press conference, warning that strict action would follow if the rebels did not withdraw .

Brutal about-face in Kolhapur

In Kolhapur North constituency, the Congress had initially nominated Madhurima Raje, the daughter-in-law of MP Shahu Maharaj Chhatrapati. However, on Monday, Raje withdrew his candidacy, putting the MVA in a difficult position as there is no official candidate left. This withdrawal caused frustration for Satej Patil, who was trying to resolve internal conflicts.

Patil had notably tried to persuade rebel Congress leader Rajesh Latkar to resign. Patil expressed anger over Madhurima Raje’s withdrawal, saying, “If she had no intention of contesting, why did she file the nomination?” Now, with Raje’s departure, MVA will support Congress rebel Rajesh Latkar, Congress state president Nana Patole said.

Disastrous situation in Versova

In Versova, the Shiv Sena (UBT) continues to face rebellion. Former councilor Raju Pednekar filed his nomination as an independent candidate, although the party has officially nominated Haroon Khan. Pednekar did not withdraw his independent nomination, leading to a three-way contest between BJP’s Bharati Lavekar, MVA’s Haroon Khan and independent candidate Raju Pednekar.

Relief in Byculla and Dharavi

In Byculla Assembly constituency, despite the MVA officially nominating Shiv Sena’s (UBT) Manoj Jamsutkar, former Congress MLA Madhu Chavan filed his nomination as an independent. Similarly, in Dharavi, former Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Baburao Mane filed his nomination as an independent against Congress’ Jyoti Gaikwad. However, the two rebel candidates, Chavan and Mane, eventually withdrew their candidature, thereby resolving the internal conflicts in these constituencies. Cong dissent in Shinde bastion In Pachpakhadi-Kopri constituency in Thane, rebel Congress candidates Manoj Shinde and Suresh Patil Khede retained their nominations. This constituency, represented by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has seen internal divisions in the Congress. In this area, Kedar Dighe of Shiv Sena (UBT) is the official candidate of the MVA alliance.

Retreat to Pen, Panvel

In Pen and Panvel, the Assembly constituencies have not withdrawn their nominations. However, in Alibaug constituency, Surendra Mhatre, the official candidate of the Thackeray faction, resigned after receiving a direct call from Thackeray himself ordering him to step down. Although similar orders were given to the candidates in Pen and Panvel, they refused to withdraw, demonstrating that the rebellion within the Thackeray group continues in these areas.

Hemlata Patil not in scrum

Congress candidate Hemlata Patil has finally withdrawn her nomination from Nashik Central Assembly constituency. She had planned to contest as an independent due to her dissatisfaction with the MVA’s decision to nominate Vasant Gite de Sena (UBT) for the seat. Feeling sidelined, Dr Patil initially applied independently but has now decided to step down.

Ahmednagar City rebels are resolute The Ahmednagar Municipal Assembly seat was allotted to Abhishek Kalmkar of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). Although this constituency has traditionally been a stronghold of the Shiv Sena, the decision to cede it to the NCP has sparked discontent among Shiv Sena supporters. In response, Shiv Sena (UBT) district chief Shashikant Gade rebelled by filing his nomination papers. Despite being urged by senior leaders to step down, Gade decided to stay in the race.

Rebel shock in Indapur

In Indapur, Harshvardhan Patil, who recently joined the NCP (SP) from the BJP, was formally nominated. The move upset party leader Praveen Mane, prompting him to contest as an independent candidate. Sharad Pawar personally met Mane to address his concerns, but could not change his mind. Mane decided to pursue his independent bid, leading to a three-way contest in Indapur among Mahayuti’s Datta Bharane, MVA Harshvardhan Patil and independent Praveen Mane.

PCN(SP) rebel in place in Beed

In Beed district, the Mahayuti nominated Yogesh Kshirsagar, while Sharad Pawar’s NCP once again supported Sandeep Kshirsagar for this constituency. Yogesh and Kshirsagar are uncle and nephew. However, Jyoti Mete, who recently joined the party, rebelled and filed her nomination as an independent candidate. Ultimately, Sandeep Kshirsagar withdrew his candidature, but Jyoti Mete’s candidature remained in place.

Cong and CPN(SP) rebel in Nagpur

In Nagpur East constituency, the MVA has handed over the seat to the NCP(SP) and is fielding Duneswar Pathe for this seat. However, the situation became tense as rebel Congress and NCP (SP) candidates refused to withdraw from the contest, thereby increasing pressure on the MVA.