BJP's Phuke expects rebel Anil Sole to withdraw from Nagpur graduates' seat; Sole unreachable for two days

Anil Sole, a BJP rebel candidate and former MLA in the Nagpur Division Graduates' Constituency, has become unreachable. The development appears to be a severe setback to the BJP's efforts to defuse the rebellion. Party leaders, including the top leadership, have been trying continuously to persuade him.

Against this backdrop, BJP leader Parinay Phuke expressed confidence that Sole would withdraw his candidature today. According to Phuke, Sole is a senior BJP leader and worker. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has spoken to Sole, and if Nitin Gadkari speaks to him today, Sole will certainly withdraw, Phuke said.

Phuke said Sole has worked in the BJP for many years, so some leaders may be helping him out of affection. But whenever anyone rebelled against the BJP in Vidarbha, Sole used to be the one who found a way out, he said. Citing this past record, Phuke said Sole would himself step back and expressed confidence in his withdrawal.

Speaking about the nomination, Phuke said everyone wants a candidature for their own worker. However, tickets were given according to the strength of each party. Whichever candidate wins, he will raise the voice of the people as part of the Mahayuti, he said. MLA Phuke added that they have entered politics to serve the people, so it makes no difference whether one holds a post or not.

Phuke raised a few other points. He said Chief Minister Fadnavis met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and briefed him on the state's situation, and that a team will come in response and Maharashtra will receive substantial drought assistance. He also criticised Rahul Gandhi, saying leaders and workers of his own party do not listen to him and that Rahul Gandhi's "Pappu" role continues.

Sole had wanted to contest from this constituency again. But this time the party did not field him and nominated Sudhakar Kohale instead. On October 5, Sole then filed his nomination as an independent candidate. That evening, state president Ravindra Chavan went to Sole's home to try to persuade him, but the two did not meet. Sole has reportedly been out of Nagpur since then, and his phone has been switched off for the past two days.

A BJP core committee meeting on strategy for the graduates' constituency was held at Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's residence. Top party leaders attended, and Sole's stand was discussed in depth. Gadkari instructed that Sole be contacted, and an attempt was made to call him from the meeting itself. His mobile was off, so contact could not be made. The mobiles of people close to Sole are also switched off, adding to the BJP's concern.

Meanwhile, today is the last date for withdrawal of nominations. Messages are circulating on social media that Sole's campaign office will be inaugurated at 5 pm today. The office will be at former BJP MLA Girish Vyas's office in Badkas Chowk.