In a complete about-turn, the BJP announced on Tuesday that the party would back the Shiv Sena nominee Sada Sarvankar in Mahim constituency and not the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena candidate Amit Thackeray, son of MNS chief Raj Thackeray.
The BJP move has come after Sarvankar refused to budge even as the party has called upon him repeatedly to withdraw his candidature in favour of Amit Thackeray.
Sarvankar's decision to fight the elections has left the BJP with no other option but to support him in adherence to the alliance dharma.
Secondly, for the moment, the BJP's move has stopped its efforts to bring the MNS into the Mahayuti or extend its support to the MNS in a few other seats to checkmate the Shiv Sena UBT in particular and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in general.
With Sarvankar, who is a three-term legislator, the Mahim constituency will witness a triangular contest as he is pitted against the MNS nominee Amit Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Mahesh Sawant.
As far as Mahayuti is concerned the Mahim constituency issue stands resolved. Now, Sada Sarvankar stands to be Mahayuti candidate and we would work out his win. However if leaders of Mahayuti constituents such as BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP are through a thorough discussion may come out with a differing verdict, it will remain to be seen," he added.
Shelar's statement has brightened up the Sada Sarvankar camp as now it hopes to garner even non-Marathi voters especially Jain, Gujarati and others.
This is after Raj Thackeray had launched blistering attacks against the Mahayuti on Monday and also targeted Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for joining hands with NCP chief Ajit Pawar in the government despite his criticism against him after his rebellion.
It was Shelar along with a whole host of leaders including Devendra Fadnavis and party legislators Prasad Lad and Nitesh Rane who were at the forefront to argue that the Mahayuti should support Amit Thackeray in Mahim especially because the MNS chief Raj Thackeray had extended his support to the Mahayuti during the Lok Sabha elections.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had met on several occasions with Sarvankar to request his opinion and the latter was unwilling to withdraw his nomination for he claimed that MNS was not a constituent of Mahayuti and his withdrawal would greatly aid the Shiv Sena (UBT).
The mounting pressure from the BJP saw the Chief Minister leaving the decision entirely to the Sarvankar and the Shiv Sainiks of Mahim constituency.
Thereafter, Sarvankar sought a meeting with Raj Thackeray on Monday before the time for withdrawal of nominations ended at 3 P.M.
However, after Raj Thackeray's refusal to meet him, Sarvankar declared that he would contest from Mahim.
Sarvankar during his meeting with the Chief Minister yesterday said he has explained his stand to him.
"Even if I withdraw, there is no chance that Amit Thackeray will be elected. This I brought to the CM's notice," he added.
Sarvankar had pleaded with the Chief Minister that he should not become a victim as his victory was crucial in increasing the Mahayuti's tally.
Sarvankar had also appealed to Raj Thackeray not to do injustice to him to support a common Shiv Sainik.
I have thought of withdrawing from the Mahim constituency on the basis of a condition that the MNS must withdraw candidates there so that as many more Mahayuti nominees can come out successful. In certain seats, the MNS is keen to show interest; however, I am declaring that Amitji must get elected after I have with-drawn my nomination," said Sarvankar.
If I withdraw the nomination, the third party (Shiv Sena-UBT) is going to reap benefits.".
He said that grass root level BJP workers are with him and they will support him.
