Nagpur, Oct 12 (PTI) Independent candidate Anil Sole on Monday extended his support to BJP’s official nominee for the upcoming legislative council election to the Nagpur division graduate constituency after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reached out to him.
Sole, a former MLC, had filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate against BJP’s Sudhakar Kohale after he was denied a ticket for the October 23 elections.
On Monday evening, Fadnavis visited Sole’s residence in Nagpur and held discussions with him.
After the meeting, both the CM and Sole addressed the media.
“I had a very positive discussion with Sole, and I tried to understand his grievances. His concerns will be addressed,” the Chief Minister said.
He said Sole has decided to stay with the BJP and ensure Kohale’s victory.
Sole said he was touched by Fadnavis’s gesture to visit him personally.
“I always worked to strengthen the party and will continue to do so. I apprised the chief minister of the party workers’ feelings. I am withdrawing my candidature. Though my name will remain as a candidate (as the deadline for nomination withdrawal has expired), I will try to ensure that I won’t get a single vote,” he said.
In the Nagpur division graduates constituency polls, the Congress has renominated sitting MLC Abhijeet Wanjari.
Biennial elections are being held for five seats — three graduates and two teachers constituencies — in the 78-member Legislative Council. These are Pune Division Graduates, Nagpur Division Graduates, Pune Division Teachers, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Graduates and Amravati Teachers constituencies.
Polling is scheduled for October 23, and votes will be counted on October 27.
Registered graduates and teachers residing within the respective geographical divisions are eligible to vote in these elections. PTI CLS NSK
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