A fortnight after affirming his candidature from Nashik, NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal has withdrawn his name. He said it was the outcome of the delay in making his electoral entry official by the NDA, especially when the BJP’s high command Amit Shah had cleared his name for Nashik instead of Shinde Sena’s sitting MP, Hemant Godse.

It turns out that Shinde Sena has overcome the pressure that was put to relinquish the seat to NCP. It is to be seen whether Godse is repeated or is replaced as the candidate. Now more about the behind-the-scenes that made Bhujbal back out. Local reports say that it was his past actions, especially the objectionable remarks that were taken as anti-Hindu. His criticism of traditional Saraswati puja had led to protests. The feedback from Nashik’s RSS/BJP cadre, Brahmin Mahasangh, Purohit Sangh, and other Hindu organisations contributed only negative points to Bhujbal’s profile as the NDA candidate.