Rebel Anil Sole returns to BJP, will work for Kohle in Nagpur graduates' seat poll

Former MLA Anil Sole, who had been a rebel BJP candidate in the election to the Nagpur graduates' seat of the Legislative Council, has finally returned to the party after talks with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Sole assured the Chief Minister and the guardian minister that he would withdraw his name from the election and work in support of party candidate Sudhakar Kohle. Former MLA Girish Vyas has also withdrawn his resignation. The return of the two former MLAs has brought relief to the BJP camp.

Fadnavis congratulated Sole and Vyas for taking a decision in the interest of the party and the organisation. He said Sole had candidly explained his reasons for filing the nomination and had also made some suggestions, which would be acted upon.

Fadnavis said Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Upendra Kothekar and Satish Dhond were also present during the discussion with Sole. According to the Chief Minister, Sole wants the party's way of working to remain unchanged however big it grows, and he was upset with the party's functioning. Fadnavis said mistakes are sometimes made, but they will be corrected.

Sole also complained that the party's old loyal workers were being sidelined. He said such workers should be given responsibilities in the party and the organisation. The Chief Minister said his sentiments would certainly be acted upon.

Fadnavis also said Sole had never engaged in anti-party activity. On the contrary, he used to persuade workers who were upset with the party and the organisation and bring them back. According to the Chief Minister, Sole will not let the party suffer any loss and will campaign for the party candidate. Fadnavis said Sudhakar Kohle was Sole's student, and as a teacher he would bless his pupil.

Sole cannot technically withdraw his nomination. He will therefore no longer campaign for himself and will work in support of Kohle. He became emotional as he made the announcement. He said he had been working for years for the graduates' seat keeping in mind the sentiments of party workers. When the party did not give him the ticket, the feelings of his supporters were hurt, and it was because of those feelings that he filed his nomination. According to Sole, Chief Minister Fadnavis and guardian minister Bawankule have now understood his feelings and assured him of improvements in the organisation and its functioning.

Girish Vyas, the former MLA who had resigned from party membership along with the announcement of support for Anil Sole, also held talks with the Chief Minister and the guardian minister. Vyas said he had put his feelings before them. After receiving a positive assurance, he withdrew his resignation.

The Congress camp had been pleased with Sole's rebellion, expecting its candidate Abhijit Wanjari to benefit. With Sole's return, the contest will now be a direct fight between the Congress and the BJP. Nitesh Karale of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), a Maha Vikas Aghadi constituent, is also in the fray, which could hurt the Congress.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Fadnavis held separate meetings from morning till evening with MLAs from all six districts of the division. At Koradi he met the MLAs of Nagpur district and directed them to work seriously for the party candidate. He then held district-wise meetings through the day at Ramgiri and gave guidance on the graduates' election.