Shiv Sena considers replacing sitting Ramtek MP Tumane with former Congress MLA Parwe
Mumbai, March 25: The Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde is likely to replace sitting MP Krupal Tumane with Congress MLA Raju Purwe for the Ramtek Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra. This decision comes following opposition from BJP and internal survey findings.
The announcement is expected soon as the nomination filing deadline is March 27 and polling is on April 19. Parwe, who joined Sena after quitting as Congress legislator, is set to receive the ticket. Sena believes he can attract traditional Congress voters in the area.
The party is confident of support from BJP and independent legislator Ashish Jaiswal for Parwe’s victory. A Sena leader stated, “Tumane may struggle to retain the seat if re-nominated. BJP has reservations over his candidacy. There is consensus among BJP, Sena, and NCP to win 45+ seats in Maharashtra.”
Another leader mentioned that BJP’s claim over the seat was based on Tumane’s poor performance in the last five years. State BJP chief sought Shinde’s cooperation, citing Nagpur’s proximity where Nitin Gadkari is contesting. Shinde faction believes nominating Parwe will garner support from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and rural voters.
In the 2019 elections, Tumane won with 594,827 votes, defeating Congress rival Kishor Gajbhiye. In 2014, Tumane triumphed against Congress candidate Mukul Wasnik. The decision to field Purwe is seen as a strategic move to maximize support from various voter groups in the constituency.
