The challenge before MLA and Industries Minister Mahadev Naik will be two fold – anti-incumbency and disgruntled party workers. Shiroda constituency is already witnessing much political activity, with prospective candidates beginning to show their respective strengths, leading to discussions and debates across the constituency.
The battle lines in Shiroda are already pretty clear. While no party has declared its candidates, sitting MLA Mahadev Naik will be the BJP candidate, and there are indications that Congress is likely to go with it former five-time MLA Subhash Shirodkar who has been a former minister and former State unit President. Shirodkar, however faces a fight for the ticket from Akbar Mulla, who has said that even if he is not given the party ticket he will remain with the Congress.
However, Naik faces opposition from Shiroda sarpanch Sandesh Prabudesai, a BJP worker, who has announced his intention of contesting the polls. Aam Aadmi Party has already declared Molu Velip as their candidate. Velip has support across the constituency.
The ground situation gets further interesting, with MGP, which is in alliance with BJP, showing interest in fielding a candidate from Shiroda and speculation that Prabudesai will be the candidate. Prabudesai confirmed to Herald that he would contest either on the MGP or BJP ticket, even addressing the media along with BJP supporters opposed to Naik’s candidature. Added to these, there are expected to be independents, who are yet to declare their candidature closer to the polls.
Congress worker Megnath Shirodkar said, “It is evident that the Industries Minister has failed in the development of Shiroda. This will benefit Congress and people will not repeat their mistake. Party workers who had switched to BJP are returning to the Congress fold.” This is seconded by Mulla, who said Congress is sure of wining the seat.
But it is Prabhudesai, formerly a supporter of Naik, who dealt the sitting MLA the biggest blow. A BJP worker, he declared his candidature and showing his strength in the constituency recently got elected as Shiroda sarpanch without Naik’s support. He claims he has the support of PWD Minister Ramkrishana (Sudin) Dhavalikar.
Naik, however, managed to regain ground when Sarpanchas of Borim and Bethora came out in his support. Naik said there are rumours being spread by his opponents and there is no chance he will lose the elections.
BJP Shiroda Mandal Chief Suraj Naik said, “Mahadev is sure to win as several people in Shiroda are provided with government jobs and benefit of government schemes besides development of roads, construction of health facility and the Mysal dam project.”
