Maharashtra Polls: BJP Unveils First List of Candidates Amidst Corruption Fight

Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar highlights criteria for party tickets ahead of Maharashtra assembly polls, focusing on candidates fighting corruption and serving the public. BJP releases first list of 99 contenders, with elections scheduled for November 20 and counting on November 23.

With the Maharashtra assembly elections approaching, Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar on Sunday underscored that candidates who prioritize public service and combat corruption are given party tickets. His remarks came after the BJP announced his candidacy for the Vandre West Assembly constituency in its initial list of 99 candidates.

Shelar, contesting for the fourth time, expressed confidence in success, citing community and party leader support. Responding to ticket allocation questions, he noted the importance of candidates who resonate with the public and tackle corruption. This announcement comes as BJP gears up for elections on November 20.

The BJP's candidate list includes Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis contesting from Nagpur South West and key leaders like Chandrashekhar Krishnarao Bawankule, Girish Mahajan, and others placed in strategic constituencies. Maharashtra, with 288 Assembly seats, sees BJP as part of the Mahayuti alliance with Shiv Sena and NCP against the Maha Vikas Aghadi opposition.

Preparations by both the ruling coalition and opposition, including seat-sharing agreements, have intensified as election day nears. In the previous parliamentary elections, the opposition MVA outperformed BJP, capturing a majority of Maharashtra's seats. Vote counting is expected on November 23.

(With inputs from agencies.)