With the Maharashtra Assembly elections on the horizon, the announcement of candidates by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies has triggered dissatisfaction among some of its prominent leaders. Frustrated by the denial of tickets, BJP stalwarts Atul Shah, Gopal Shetty, and Hasmukh Gehlot have declared their intentions to run as independent candidates, voicing concerns over what they perceive as poor decision-making within the party.

Atul Shah's Independent Bid from Mumbadevi

Atul Shah, a former BJP spokesperson and local leader in Mumbai?s Mumbadevi constituency, has declared he will run independently. His frustration comes in the wake of the Mahayuti?s decision to field Shaina NC, who recently defected to the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde. Shaina?s candidacy has spurred Shah to act, as he had been expecting the Mumbadevi ticket himself. In a conversation with ANI, Shah expressed his disapproval of the leadership's choice, stating, ?This is not a musical chair where anyone can be fielded. The leadership should consider who can win the seat and best serve the constituency. I have worked as a corporator here for seven years and even launched a vaccination center, providing over 50,000 doses.?

Gopal Shetty?s Decision to Contest Independently from Borivali

In Borivali, former BJP MP Gopal Shetty has chosen to stand as an independent after Sanjay Upadhyay, Mumbai BJP General Secretary, was nominated in his place. Shetty, a well-known leader in the constituency, expressed his frustration, claiming that Upadhyay lacks ties to the local community. ?Upadhyay is not a resident of Borivali. BJP workers are disappointed by the decision, so at their request, I have decided to contest independently. While I support BJP and Devendra Fadnavis, the decision to field Upadhyay does not sit well with me,? Shetty remarked to the media. This development is significant as Shetty has a strong presence in Borivali, and his independent bid could impact the Mahayuti's prospects in the region.

Hasmukh Gehlot to Run Independently from Thane?s Owala Majiwada Seat

Adding to the growing list of dissatisfied BJP leaders, former Deputy Mayor Hasmukh Gehlot has announced his candidacy for the Owala Majiwada seat in Thane. The seat was assigned to Shiv Sena?s Pratap Sarnaik under the alliance arrangement, sidelining Gehlot?s bid for the assembly ticket. With limited time before the nomination deadline, Gehlot has decided to forge his own path in the election.

Congress Faces Similar Turmoil

Discontent isn't confined to the BJP alone; similar issues have cropped up within the Congress. In Kolhapur North, Raju Latkar, who was replaced by Madhurimaraje Chhatrapati on the Congress?s candidate list, has announced he will run independently. Additionally, in Mumbai?s Byculla constituency, Congress leader Madhu Chavan has reportedly opted to contest independently.

With the Maharashtra Assembly election date set for November 20, this wave of independent candidacies poses potential challenges for both the BJP and Congress, with their supporters now having more options than anticipated. This emerging dynamic adds an unexpected twist to the race, with influential leaders running outside their parties, potentially drawing votes away from the official Mahayuti and Congress candidates in key constituencies.