Anil Sole files as independent in Nagpur graduates' poll; BJP chief Ravindra Chavan misses him at home

The election process is under way for five seats of the Maharashtra Legislative Council from the graduates' and teachers' constituencies. The last date for filing nomination papers is October 6, 2026. From the Nagpur graduates' constituency, the BJP has fielded former MLA Sudhakar Kohale.

However, Anil Sole, a senior party leader and former MLA, has filed his nomination as an independent. This has created a fresh complication for the BJP.

To placate Sole, BJP state president Ravindra Chavan went to his house in Nagpur. Chavan said Sole is a senior and loyal party worker and is somewhat upset at not getting the ticket. Speaking to the media, Chavan said he had come to Sole's house to understand what was on his mind. But when Chavan arrived, Sole was not at home, so the two leaders could not meet.

Chavan said senior party leaders would meet Sole in the next two to three days and try to address his displeasure. He also expressed confidence that Sole would remain loyal to the party.

Sole, for his part, has made his stand clear. According to him, workers, supporters and teachers of the constituency over the past 25 years urged him to file his nomination, which is why he did so. Sole said, "I have full faith in the voters. We have resolved to face the election."

Sole also said he has been telling Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Chandrashekhar Bawankule and other party leaders about his position on this election for many days.

He appeared firm on his decision. Sole said, "There is no question of stepping back. Our decision has been made. I have filed my nomination. I will contest the election."

The BJP has made Kohale its official candidate for the Nagpur graduates' constituency. The Congress has sitting MLA Abhijit Wanjari in the fray. With the BJP's Sole now entering as an independent, the election equation has become a talking point.

Chavan has expressed confidence that the BJP will win the Nagpur graduates' seat. Sole, on the other hand, has said he will not back down. Attention now turns to whether he keeps his candidature until October 9. October 9 is the last date for withdrawing nominations, and polling will be held on October 23.