By Tejas Navale
Pune, November 4, 2024: Pressure is mounting on Maval’s sitting MLA, Sunil Shelke, as the opposition’s ‘Maval Pattern’ strategy gains momentum across the constituency. This new political alignment sees all of Shelke’s rivals uniting under one banner to support Bapu Bhegde, Shelke’s primary opponent. Leaders from various political backgrounds have rallied behind Bhegde in what they describe as a coalition of necessity to challenge Shelke’s dominance in Maval.
At the centre of the Maval Pattern is former MLA and state minister Bala Bhegde, who has managed to bring together an array of opposition leaders solely to defeat Shelke. The initiative gained further traction today as Bapu Bhegde, along with Bala Bhegde and other Maval leaders, met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray, who pledged his support to the alliance against Shelke.
This unprecedented alliance has exposed fissures within the Mahayuti coalition in Maval as tensions surface over Shelke’s leadership.
Bapu Bhegde initially sought a ticket from the NCP but was denied when Deputy CM Ajit Pawar reaffirmed support for the incumbent MLA Sunil Shelke. Frustrated with the party’s decision, Bhegde declared his independent candidacy, angered by the party’s loyalty to Shelke. In a strategic twist, the opposition Mahavikas Aghadi coalition opted not to field a candidate in Maval, instead choosing to back Bapu Bhegde, amplifying pressure on Shelke.
The campaign took a dramatic turn when BJP leader Bala Bhegde announced his support for Bapu Bhegde, despite being in the same Mahayuti coalition as Shelke. This move has escalated tensions as the entire Maval BJP unit, under Bala Bhegde’s influence, shifted its backing to Bapu Bhegde. Beyond the BJP, Bala Bhegde’s outreach has brought the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) to Bapu Bhegde’s side, leaving Shelke isolated in the constituency.
In response to the growing opposition, Shelke condemned the Maval Pattern as an effort by a single family to maintain control over the constituency. He also issued stern warnings to the BJP, predicting statewide consequences for this rebellion. However, despite these warnings, Bala Bhegde has continued his campaign for Bapu Bhegde, determined to challenge Shelke’s position.
