Aurangabad, Nov 5:
A total of six persons who wish to contest Marathwada Graduate Constituency elections from BJP ticket, purchased nomination papers on Thursday. The sale of nomination papers began from today.
A total of 22 candidates purchased 50 nomination papers from the office of assistant election officer in Divisional Commissionerate.
Of them, six aspirants are from BJP, four from Vanchait Bahujan Aghadi, four for NCP’s Satish Chavan. Remaining Independent and others purchased eight nomination papers.
Former union Minister Jaisinghrao Gaikwad is among the aspirants'' list of BJP. He purchased four nomination papers. Gaikwad represented the Constituency twice 16 years ago. Shirish Boralkar is the first preference from the group of Devendra Fadnavis, the Opposition leader in the State.
Boralkar too purchased the nomination papers. Kishor Shitole and Pravin Ghuge are also in the race.
BJP is thinking to use Maratha card to wrest the seat which was held by NCP in the last term. So, Gaikwad has jumped into the fray to get the ticket.
BJP State Unit president MLA Chandrakant Patil and MLA Haribhau Bagade are trying for Shitole who has not purchased the nomination papers yet. There are three Independent candidates from Beed.
The BJP was to declare the candidate’s name today. But, the Selection Committee is likely to announce it on November 6. Name of Boralkar is on the top position from BJP circle. Commenting on this, Gaikwad said that he had represented the Constituency twice.
“I am sure I will get the party ticket. The party will announce the name of the candidate on Friday,” he added.