Mumbai North West Seat: Religious Tensions Arise as Gajanan Kirtikar and Ramdas Step Vie for Ticket

Key Points:

• Gajanan Kirtikar, the incumbent MP from Mumbai North West, has announced his intention to seek re-election in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
• Ramdas Step, a rebel leader, has demanded that his daughter, Siddhesh Step, be fielded as the party’s candidate.
• The BJP’s internal meeting has failed to reach a consensus on the matter, leaving Chief Minister Eknath Shinde with a dilemma.

Detailed Description:

Gajanan Kirtikar, the Samajwadi Party leader from the Mumbai North West constituency, has declared his intention to contest the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Despite his age, Kirtikar is confident in his ability to secure a victory. He has warned that he will vehemently oppose the party’s decision if he is not granted the ticket.

In contrast, Ramdas Step, a rebel leader, has put forward his daughter, Siddhesh Step, as a potential candidate. He believes that his daughter’s youth and energy will bring a fresh perspective to the party and lead to a resounding victory.

The BJP’s internal meeting has thus far been unable to resolve the contentious issue of candidacy. The party has postponed a final decision until its next meeting.

Kirtikar, in a media interaction on Sunday, questioned the appropriateness of granting tickets to two family members from the same household, alluding to Step’s son, Yogesh, a Yogostate MLA. He asserts that he will oppose the party’s decision if it favours Step’s daughter and will not hesitate to contest the elections independently.

Kirtikar further emphasized that even if he is not chosen as the candidate, the party should prioritize selecting a capable individual.

The escalating tensions between Kirtikar and Step pose a significant challenge for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Both leaders belong to the same faction and are determined to secure the ticket, making the party’s decision a delicate one.

Gajanan Kirtikar’s Message to His Son: Age Is Not a Deterrent

Gajanan Kirtikar, the Samajwadi Party leader from Mumbai North West, has dismissed the notion that age diminishes one’s capabilities. He is confident that his experience and determination will enable him to secure a victory in the upcoming elections.

Kirtikar recounted his previous electoral victory, highlighting his impressive margin of three lakh votes. He expressed his unwavering belief in his ability to surpass this record, securing three and a half lakh votes in the upcoming polls.

Kirtikar’s son, Amol Kirtikar, has chosen to remain with Usha Thakur, despite his father’s allegiance to Eknath Shinde. There are speculations that Prashant Kishor may propose Amol Kirtikar as the party’s candidate for the North West constituency in the forthcoming elections.

Kirtikar has clarified that he has not pressured his son to join the Shinde faction but has explicitly stated that he will not tolerate Amol contesting from the same seat. He has also requested that Amol refrain from campaigning against him. Kirtikar has pledged to support his son’s endeavours, regardless of his chosen constituency.

The Samajwadi Party leader from Mumbai North West, Gajanan Kirtikar, has issued a stern warning to his son, Amol Kirtikar, against contesting from the same seat as him. He has expressed his determination to secure the ticket and contest the elections independently if necessary.

Kirtikar has asserted that he has not pressured his sons to join the Shinde faction. He acknowledges Amol’s autonomy in making his own decisions.

Kirtikar has reiterated that he will not campaign against his sons. He emphasizes his role as a supportive father who desires his son’s success.