Pune: Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde filed his nomination papers on Monday for the Kopri-Pachpakhadi assembly constituency in Thane district, intensifying the political landscape ahead of the state assembly elections on November 20. Shinde is set to face a significant challenge from Kedar Dighe, nephew of the late Anand Dighe, who is contesting on behalf of Shiv Sena (UBT).
Earlier, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP head Ajit Pawar also submitted his papers for the Baramati constituency. Pawar arrived at the tehsil office in the Pune district amid a large rally of supporters, showcasing his political strength.
He is expected to face competition from his nephew Yugendra Pawar, who also filed his nomination under the NCP (SP) banner earlier in the day, supported by party stalwarts Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule.
The upcoming assembly elections will see all 288 constituencies contested, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23.
In the previous 2019 assembly elections, the BJP secured 105 seats, the Shiv Sena won 56, and the Congress obtained 44 seats. The 2014 elections had similar results, with the BJP claiming 122 seats and the Shiv Sena 63.
