Pune: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially put an end to speculation by announcing the candidature of Medha Kulkarni, former MLA from Kothrud in Pune, for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra. The decision comes after a period of intense intra-party competition and sets the stage for a significant political shift in the state.
With 56 Rajya Sabha seats up for grabs across 15 Indian states, the elections are scheduled for February 27, and the deadline for filing nominations is February 16. While the BJP had already unveiled candidates from various states, the suspense surrounding Maharashtra’s candidate fueled interest and speculation among potential contenders.
Notable figures such as Vinod Tawde, Ashok Chavan, Dr. Ajit Gopchde, Harshvardhan Patil, and others were reportedly vying for the nomination. The inclusion of Ashok Chavan and Ajit Gopchde, recent defectors from the Congress to the BJP, added an unexpected twist to the political landscape.
The surprise nomination of Medha Kulkarni from Pune is seen as a strategic move to address discontent within the Brahmin community in the region. Kulkarni, expressing gratitude for the nomination, stated, “I told the party that I just want to work. I don’t know what the seniors thought about this, but thanks to the party for nominating me.”
