Shiv Sena rebel Suresh Mhatre takes back nomination

Sena rebel Suresh Mhatre, alias Balya mama, who filed nomination against BJP MP Kapil Patil from Bhiwandi, took it back on Friday. It seems that the party leadership pacified him for going against Sena-BJP combine and Mhatre gave in to their demands. He, however, maintained that his opposition to Patil continues.

Mhatre filed his nomination as an independent candidate from Bhiwandi on April 10. However, under alleged pressure from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he was removed from the post of Sena spokesperson for Thane rural area on the same day.

While fellow Shiv Sainiks were quite angry due to this power play, senior leaders of the party pacified Mhatre. After two days, .i.e. on April 12, he took back his nomination.

"I am against Kapil Patil who often spoke of wiping out Sena. I have no opposition to Sena-BJP alliance," said Mhatre.

He also said that he took back his nomination on the request of senior Sena leaders. "My opposition to Patil will always remain and I will never support him," he said.

In 2014, over 13 candidates had contested Lok Sabha election from Bhiwandi. Mhatre contested as an MNS (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) candidate and managed to get only 93,000 votes while BJP's Patil won the seat with 4.11 lac votes.

It is said that three months back Mhatre tried to get ticket from Congress but failed. He rubbished this rumour. Though he has taken back his nomination this time bowing to party pressure, there are talks that he would be supporting Congress-NCP (nationalist congress party) in this general election.