Amid Shiv Sena's tussle with the BJP over seats for the assembly elections, the Udddhav Thackeray-led party is now staring at some infighting. Former mayor Subha Raul, who has obvious differences with Vinod Ghosalkar for past few years, is likely get a ticket from Dahisar where the latter is a sitting legislator.
Why can't Raul, Ghosalkar see eye to eye?
Last year, Sena corporators Sheetal Mhatre, Shubha Raul and BJP corporator Manisha Chaudhari had come out in the open against Ghosalkar and had complained to Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. While Thackeray had assured the women corporators of intervention, no action was taken against the MLA, said sources.
What were the allegations?
Ghosalkar is also the vibhag pramukh from Jogeshwari to Dahisar and all Sena corporators are required to report to him. Raul, who is a corporator from Dahisar, has always objected to Ghosalkar's style of functioning. "In past too, Raul had complained against Ghosalkar to Uddhavji. But there was no change in his attitude. But in past two years the situation has worsened. All the senior leaders are well aware of the ground reality," said a sena source.
Is Raul a good choice?
Raul, who is a doctor by profession, is well respected in her area. This time she has expressed her desire to contest the elections. Three months ago, Raul opened an office in Borivali (West) so that she could keep in touch with the voters. "Raul has demanded the candidature from Dahisar, which Ghosalkar considers a safe seat for him. He will never let go of it. The stalemate may cost Sena to quite an extent as voters from Dahisar have had several issues against the MLA in past five years", said a party worker.
Will Raul quit party if denied ticket?
Sources even claimed that there were strong rumours that Raul might quit the party if she was not given the ticket, Raul refuted the talks terming them hearsay. She said though she expects the ticket, she won't leave the party at any cost.
Sena inducts NCP man to counter MNS
To counter MNS MLA Pravin Darekar in Magathane in North Mumbai, Shivsena has strategically inducted NCP leader Prakash Surve for the constituency, which is a prestige seat for Sena. Prakash Surve has strong base in the constituency and had secured second highest votes in last election from NCP. Shivsena's candidate Ashok Nar was at the third position.
"Considering all the aspects after proper survey, Shivsena President Uddhav Thackeray invited the NCP leader to join Shivsena. Surve has worked in this constituency and he has direct contact with the people. If he contest on Shivsena's ticket, he will benefit this time. There's a proper calculative risk taken by both – the leader and the party. So we are hoping a win – win situation for both", said a source close to Surve.
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