NEW DELHI:
Shiv Sena candidate
for the Maharashtra Legislative Council polls in Nashik allegedly
assaulted
an
independent contestant
sharing his name on Friday, suspecting a ploy to confuse voters and jeopardize his election chances.
The altercation occurred between Kishore Bhikaji Darade, the candidate from Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena for the Nashik Division Teachers constituency, and independent candidate Kishore Prabhakar Darade from Kopargaon in Ahmednagar.
Supporters of both candidates clashed at the divisional commissioner’s office complex, prompting police intervention on the final day of nomination filings.
The sitting MLC, Kishore Bhikaji Darade, accused his namesake of being an unknown individual strategically introduced by Sandip Gulwe from the rival Shiv Sena (UBT) faction to create
voter confusion
. He reportedly attempted to prevent the independent candidate from filing his nomination, resulting in a
physical confrontation
. Darade denied allegations of manhandling his opponent.
The police escorted both Darades to the Nashik Road police station, although no formal complaints were lodged as of late evening. The scuffle highlights the intense rivalry and strategic maneuvering characteristic of this election cycle.
Interestingly, the election for the Nashik Division Teachers’ constituency is further complicated by the presence of three candidates named Sandip Gulwe. This naming coincidence has added another layer of intrigue to the already contentious race.
A total of 40 candidates have submitted their nominations for the seat, including the two Darades and the three Gulwes. The scrutiny of nomination forms is scheduled for June 10, with the last date for withdrawal set for June 12. Voting will take place on June 26, and the results are expected to be announced on July 1.
