Tough triangular contest likely in Hatkanangale constituency

Kolhapur, Mar 19 : The Hatkanangale Lok Sabha constituency (former Ichalkaranji constituency) in this district of western Maharashtra, the stronghold of NCP/Congress, may witness a tough triangular contest in the coming Lok Sabha elections, with two strong contenders throwing their hat in the fray.

The Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) founder and MLA Raju Shetty, one of the contenders, has announced his candidature from this constituency, while another probable candidate Congress MLA Prakash Awade is also likely to contest against the sitting NCP MP Nivedita Mane.

Mr Shetty, talking to UNI today, said he has decided to contest the Lok Sabha election. His candidature is supported by the Left parties apart from the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance.

Mr Awade, former state minister, is unhappy over his on-inclusion in the State Cabinet reshuffle.

While talking to reporters here, Mr Awade has hinted to contest the elections. He may rebel against the party leadership if the seat goes to the NCP in the Congress-NCP seat-sharing arrangement, as he is confident of winning the seat.

Meanwhile, Ms Mane’s candidature has already been announced by the NCP from the constituency. So, there could likely be a triangular fight in this constitutuency.

In the Kolhapur parliamentary constituency, sitting NCP MP Sadashivrao Mandlik has became a controversial figure in NCP after he levelled allegations against party chief Sharad Pawar and the ticket was denied to him. He has declared that he will announce his future course of action.

Meanwhile, three probables of the NCP ticket include veteran cooperator Vikransigh Ghatge, industrialist Dhananjay alias Munna Mahadik and Sambhajiraje, the descendent of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, have begun their campaigning in this constituency without waiting for any official announcement of the candidature.

Each has expressed confidence of getting the ticket and were prepared to contest independently if they fail to get the same. The Kolhapur Lok Sabha constituency, which is also a stronghold of the NCP/Congress, may witness a tough contest this time.

— UNI