Nitin Gadkari, who contested the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections from Nagpur, was campaigning for Rajashree Patil, a leader from the Eknath Shinde-led faction.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari collapsed while addressing an election rally in Yavatmal, Maharashtra, on Tuesday afternoon. However, he received immediate medical attention and quickly resumed his speech after a short break.
Following the incident, Mr. Gadkari took to X (formerly Twitter) to reassure everyone:
“I experienced discomfort due to the heat during the rally in Pusad, Maharashtra. I am now completely fine and on my way to Varud for the next meeting. Thank you for your love and well wishes.”
Earlier this year, there was speculation about Nitin Gadkari’s political future when the BJP delayed naming him as its candidate for the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat. This delay prompted a playful invitation from former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who extended a ‘join us’ message to Mr. Gadkari.
Two days ago, I conveyed this to Gadkari, and I’m reiterating it now. If you feel insulted, leave the BJP and join the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), an alliance of the Congress, the erstwhile undivided Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party, led by Mr. Thackeray and Sharad Pawar.”
“We will ensure your victory. When our government comes to power, we will appoint you as a minister with significant authority,” declared Uddhav Thackeray.
It appears that the BJP responded to Mr. Thackeray’s offer. Days later, Mr. Gadkari was included in the party’s candidate list.
Earlier, Mr. Gadkari had dismissed Mr. Thackeray’s offer as “immature” and “ridiculous.” Speaking in Yavatmal, he emphasized that the BJP had a systematic approach to ticket distribution, and his rival need not worry about him.
The Mahayuti alliance comprises the BJP, the Shinde-led faction of the Shiv Sena, and the breakaway unit of the Nationalist Congress Party led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The three parties are racing to finalize a seat-sharing agreement before the deadline for filing nominations for the fifth phase of the election.
Six seats are yet to be allocated in the ongoing tug-of-war between the BJP and its two state allies. Among these, three are the high-profile Nashik, Thane, and Mumbai South seats. Reports suggest that the Sena faction is particularly interested in Nashik and Thane, and is optimistic about Mumbai South.
In the upcoming second phase of polling on April 26, eight seats in the eastern part of Maharashtra will vote, including Amravati, Hingoli, Nanded, and Yavatmal-Washim.
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