After axing Ramtek`s sitting MP, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde dropped Hingoli and Yavatmal-Washim MPs, Hemant Patil and Bhavana Gawali, respectively, to field candidates with ‘more elective’ merit. District Shiv Sena chief Baburao Kadam Kohalikar replaced Hemant Patil, whose wife Rajashri was chosen to replace Gawali. The changes stem from the findings of surveys that were done by the allies, primarily the BJP. Ramtek`s Krupal Tumane had to go for the same reason. An import from the Congress, Raju Parve, took Tumane’s place.

Patil’s exit was unceremonious because his name was announced in the party`s first list, but Shinde made up for the embarrassment by offering Patil`s wife Rajashri a ticket from Yavatmal-Washim, the segment Maharashtra`s seniormost Lok Sabha MP, Gawali, 50, held for five consecutive terms since 1999. Gawali and Patil were among the 13 MPs who supported Shinde’s rebellion in 2022.