BJP fields Akshay Kardile for Rahuri bypoll, NCP (SP) banks on Mokate after Tanpure exits

Nashik: The Rahuri bypoll in Ahilyanagar has taken a dramatic political turn. After BJP reportedly succeeded in persuading NCP (SP)'s initial frontrunner and former minister Prajakt Tanpure not to enter the fray, the Sharad Pawar-led party swiftly moved to field Govind Mokate, a long-time adversary of BJP MLA Shivaji Kardile, whose demise left the seat vacant.On Monday, Kardile's son, Akshay, filed his nomination amid an overwhelming show of strength, accompanied by BJP state president Ravindra Chavan, MLC Ram Shinde and guardian minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil.In an unexpected development, BJP state president Chavan visited Rahuri specifically to hold talks with Tanpure. Following a meeting and a crucial phone conversation with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Tanpure announced his withdrawal from the contest. "My priority has always been the overall development of Rahuri taluka, resolving land acquisition issues and safeguarding the local cooperative sugar factory. The CM has assured me these concerns will be addressed," Tanpure said while explaining his decision not to file nomination papers.Anticipating this possibility, NCP (SP) leadership had already kept Mokate on standby. A former zilla parishad member, Mokate formally entered the race by filing his nomination alongside NCP (SP) district president Sandeep Varpe.Political analysts said the contest has now assumed a deeply personal dimension. Mokate's rivalry with the Kardile family goes back to the 2017 Pangarmal hooch tragedy, which claimed nine lives. Mokate and his daughter were named in the case, allegations he maintains were the result of a politically motivated conspiracy hatched by his opponents. Previously associated with Shiv Sena (UBT), Mokate is now contesting under the NCP (SP) banner in a direct challenge to the Kardile legacy.Despite strategic calculations by major parties, the election is witnessing significant internal discord. Ravi More, western Maharashtra president of the Shetkari Sena (Shiv Sena), has rebelled against the alliance and filed his nomination as an independent candidate.MVA also appears divided, with Congress's Suryabhan Lambe and Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Raosaheb Khevre entering the race, the latter contesting as an independent. Adding another layer to the multi-cornered contest, the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi has fielded Balasaheb Jadhav.