BJP divided over Nagpur graduates' seat as Kohle and Sole camps refuse to yield

With the date for filing nominations for the Nagpur graduates' constituency of the Legislative Council drawing near, a tug of war over the candidate has intensified within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Supporters of two senior leaders, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, are locked in a fierce contest over the ticket.

Fadnavis is insisting on his close associate Sudhakar Kohle, while Gadkari's first choice remains Anil Sole. As neither camp is backing down, there is talk that the BJP may spring a surprise by bringing forward a new face.

On Sunday, a high-level meeting was held between Fadnavis and Gadkari, with Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also present. Office-bearers and legislators were kept away. It is believed that the candidacy was discussed seriously, but according to senior party sources, no name has been finalised so far. Members of the local core committee also put forward their views on Kohle. With the candidature not finalised, speculation is growing that someone else may be given the chance to avoid a clash.

Kohle's supporters claim that his ticket is almost certain. According to them, Bawankule had allegedly announced his candidature when Kohle was made head of voter registration.

The move upset a large section of the BJP, which then readied former mayor Anil Sole to enter the contest. A civic felicitation ceremony was held on Sole's 67th birthday, and it was seen as a major show of strength. Sole says he too was a voter registration head but was not given the candidature, so being appointed head does not create a claim to the ticket.

Fadnavis was in Nagpur at the time but did not attend the event. Several BJP office-bearers and corporators also stayed away. This deepened the uncertainty over the candidature.

It has been said that after the meeting of BJP leaders, another important meeting was held with select senior office-bearers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The names of both contenders and the growing discontent within the party were discussed, so that unity in the organisation could be maintained.

The BJP is often known for surprising people by giving tickets to new and unexpected candidates at the last moment. The Gadkari camp is sticking with Sole, while Fadnavis is firm on Kohle. The possibility of a third or new face getting the chance cannot be ruled out. No new name has been openly mentioned yet, but several other aspirants are said to be in line within the party.