Around 100 odd candidates, angered at not being nominated for the civic elections by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), gathered near the residence of Raj Thackeray – Krishna Kunj, Dadar. According to an upset candidate from Ulhasnagar, “The entire list seems to be very dubious. Several party loyalists are hurt as they have not got a chance to represent the party for which they have toiled hard.”
On Sunday, Thackeray had announced the lists for Mumbai (208), Thane (115), Pune (138) and Nashik (115) in a press conference. No sooner than the lists were made, disgruntled candidates and their supporters took to the streets of Ulhasnagar, Thane and Nashik protesting against MNS and Thackeray.
“Seats are being sold even in the MNS. I have heard that senior members were asking for some lakh for a seat. Had I known this before hand I would have donated Rs.10 lakh. Even at this moment, I am ready to give Rs.10 lakh for the seat. Does the MNS have the face to accept the amount in public?” questioned Nitin Bhoir, an aspirant from Ghatkopar.
Several members from Ghatkopar division also protested against a ticket being given to the wife of corporator Parmeshwar Kadam for the upcoming polls.
Sources close to Thackeray, however, stated that, the list will not be altered at any cost. The upset mob outside Thackeray’s residence also allegedly protested against senior party leaders like Nitin Sardesai and Praveen Darekar.
Sharmila Thackeray (wife of Raj) met the angry candidates and accepted their complaints.
When contacted, Shalini
Thackeray, senior leader, MNS, said, “The allegations about the selling of seats are baseless.
When there are over 15 aspirant candidates in one ward, anger and disappointment will be there. We have secured senior and experienced members as they are our pillars but, nonetheless, even grassroot level volunteers have been given tickets.”