Maharashtra Minister Chandrakant Patil Leads Comfortably in Kothrud, Welcomes Uddhav Thackeray's Potential Return to Mahayuti KOTHRUD, MAHARASHTRA – November 23, 2024 – Early trends in the ongoing Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections show Maharashtra’s Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Chandrakant Patil, holding a comfortable lead in the Kothrud assembly constituency. The results suggest a strong showing for the Mahayuti coalition.
In an interview with ABP Majha, Patil expressed openness to the possibility of former ally Uddhav Thackeray rejoining the Mahayuti, specifically the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Patil, commenting on his strong showing in Kothrud, predicted a wave of political realignment towards the Mahayuti. He stated, "In 2019, Uddhav Thackeray's decision to oppose us harmed not just Maharashtra but me personally. Should he choose to rejoin us, the final decision rests with the high command in Delhi. However, he is welcome. A unified Shiv Sena alongside us will greatly accelerate development".
The 2019 elections saw the BJP and Shiv Sena win a clear majority while contesting together. However, a dispute over the Chief Minister’s post led to a bitter split. The BJP favored Devendra Fadnavis, while the Shiv Sena insisted on Uddhav Thackeray. This disagreement resulted in the Shiv Sena aligning with the Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), ultimately leading to Uddhav Thackeray becoming Chief Minister. Patil's welcoming remarks suggest a potential reconciliation and a reshaping of the state’s political landscape.