Palghar bypoll: Opposition unity holds the key

Shiv Sena may not contest if a family member of late Chintaman Wanaga decides to

Unlike the recent Lok Sabha by-elections in Uttar Pradesh which saw major opposition parties joining hands to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Palghar Lok Sabha by-election in Maharashtra may not be a straight opposition versus BJP election.

The Palghar bypoll, scheduled for May 28, has been necessitated following the death of Chintaman Wanaga, the sitting BJP MP. Shiv Sena which has announced in the past that it will not form an electoral alliance, is believed to be contemplating whether or not to field a candidate. According to a senior Sena minister, the party may not contest the seat if a family member of late BJP MP decides to do so. Palghar has been with the BJP as per the seat sharing formula between the two parties, and Shiv Sena has never contested here. A local party, Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA), which could hold the key to this election, is expected to announce its stand soon. Party leader and MLA Hitendra Thakur said his party has not committed anything to either the BJP or any opposition party over extending the support.

CPM will contest

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has said it will be contesting the election. Palghar is one of the few strongholds left in the State and a joint opposition candidate with support from the left may bring a result different than 2014. CPM’s Ashok Dhavale said his party has to hold on to its voter base.

In 2014, Wanaga got 5,33,201 votes to defeat BVA’s Baliram Jadhav, who polled 2,93,681 votes, and CPM’s Ladkya Kharpade, who got 76,890 votes. Wanaga’s victory was attributed to the Modi wave, as in 2009 he came second to Mr. Jadhav who won with 2,23,234 votes. Wanaga had polled 2,10,875 votes. Congress had supported BVA candidate in 2014 and in 2009 its candidate had polled 1,60,570 votes.

According to sources, BJP and opposition leaders have contacted Mr. Thakur expecting his support. BVA’s three MLAs including Mr. Thakur support the BJP government in the State. However, going by it’s history, the NCP and Congress too can seek BVA’s help in return for cooperation in 2019.