Maharashtra: BJP springs a surprise, nominates Amar Sable as Rajya Sabha candidate

In a surprise move, the Maharashtra unit of BJP has nominated SC leader Amar Sable as their Rajya Sabha candidate. There were talks of senior leader Vinay Sahasrabuddhe being given the ticket and of him being awarded a ministerial berth in the Union Cabinet. The seat fell vacant after death of Congress MP Navin Deora. 

Amar Sable is a veteran BJP leader from Pimpri. Known to be Sharad Powar's bete-noire, Sable was known to be close to Gopinath Munde. It is believed that BJP Maharashtra President Raosaheb Danve and state minister Eknath Khadse pushed for Sable's candidature. BJP has the number in the assembly, so Sable is most likely to be elected unopposed. Today is the last day for filing nominations. 

There are indications though that all is not lost for BJP national Vice President Vinay Sahasrabuddhe. Sources suggest that he will be inducted in the Cabinet after the Budget Session of Parliament and will be elected in Rajya Sabha in September from Madhya Pradesh quota. But Sable's nomination has definitely come as a surprise for all.