Internal Rift in Mahayuti Alliance: Shiv Sena MLA Suhas Kande Challenges Chhagan Bhujbal Over Nandgaon Seat

Nashik :
As the seat-sharing arrangement within the ruling Mahayuti alliance remains unresolved, internal discord has surfaced, with alliance leaders trading accusations. In a significant development, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA from Nandgaon constituency, Suhas Kande, has issued a direct challenge to senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal. This comes after Bhujbal expressed interest in securing the Nandgaon-Manmad Assembly seat for his nephew, Sameer Bhujbal.

In response, an aggressive Kande, the sitting MLA of Nandgaon from Shiv Sena, declared that he was prepared to contest against Chhagan Bhujbal, even in Bhujbal’s home constituency of Yevla, if his party demanded it. “If democracy is to be preserved, everyone has the right to express their opinion. I will accept whatever decision Eknath Shinde makes, and so will my Shiv Sainiks,” Kande stated, adding that he was ready to fight Bhujbal in any constituency. “I think I will defeat him, said Kande.”

Kande further criticised Chhagan Bhujbal for failing to deliver on developmental promises in his constituency. He hinted at Bhujbal, saying, “Some leaders only show up once in five years to conduct programs but do no actual work.” He accused Bhujbal of neglecting development efforts in the past decade, claiming that despite the support of the people over the last 10 years, Bhujbal had not fulfilled his responsibilities.

The MLA further challenged Bhujbal’s son, Pankaj, and nephew, Sameer, to compare their decade of work with his own 2.5 years of achievements. Kande suggested a public debate, stating, “Pankaj and Sameer Bhujbal are politically inexperienced. I openly challenge senior Bhujbal—compare our records. If I haven’t done at least 500 more projects than them, I will resign.”

Kande also referenced political history, saying, “People are aware of what happened to Balasaheb, Sharad Pawar, and this party now. Bhujbal’s history is clear; they have always acted for political gain.” He said that the Bhujbal family is frequently working in his constituency out of “political love” for him.