BJP state chief Ravindra Chavan visits rebel Anil Sole's home over Nagpur graduates' seat; family hits out

Infighting has grown within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the MLC election for the Nagpur division graduates' constituency. Anil Sole, a former MLC and senior leader, has rebelled against the party and filed his nomination as an independent candidate. BJP state president Ravindra Chavan went to his home to persuade him.

Chavan visited Sole's residence in Nagpur unannounced, with the aim of getting Sole to withdraw his candidature. He was accompanied by local MLA Krishna Khopde, Raju Potdar and Shivani Dani. Anil Sole was not at home at the time.

When the state president tried to speak to the family members, their anger erupted. They berated Ravindra Chavan and the leaders with him and asked sharp questions. As a result, Chavan had to return empty-handed.

Describing their pain, the family members said Anil Sole had served the BJP selflessly for 50 years. They said he had never expected any post while working to strengthen the organisation. They also said the party had given him responsibility and respect from time to time.

The family asked why, when Sole had received the blessings of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari only about six months ago, his ticket was cut at the last moment.

Anil Sole is regarded as the "master" of the Nagpur division graduates' constituency. He has won the seat before and is said to have a strong hold over voters and party workers in the area.

Political experts believe that Sole staying in the contest against the party's official candidate could become a major headache for the BJP. They say that if Sole does not withdraw, the BJP's votes on the seat could split and the party's path would become extremely difficult.