MLAs among BJP's list of 172 candidates for Maharashtra Assembly poll

NEW DELHI: A day after parting ways with its oldest ally Shiv Sena, BJP today released its first list of 172 candidates for the October 15 Maharashtra Assembly elections that includes its top leaders in the state.

Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Eknath Khadse and Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Vinod Tawde, besides BJP's Maharashtra unit president Devendra Fadnavis are among the 36 sitting MLAs fielded by the party for the upcoming polls.

The list released late tonight, just a day before the last date for filing of nominations, comes after negotiations with smaller parties who were part of the 'Mahayuti' (grand alliance) that contested the Lok Sabha elections.

While Fadnavis, a sitting MLA will contest from Nagpur South West constituency, Khadse will be contesting from Muktainagar seat.

Vinod Tawde, a sitting MLC, will contest from Borivali assembly seat.

Former Union Minister Gopinath Munde's eldest daughter Pankaja, a sitting MLA, will contest from the Parli Assembly constituency.

Sources said the party is working out with some of the parties of the grand alliance - Rashtriya Samaj Party (RSP), Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) and Shiv Sangram, led by Maratha leader Vinayak Mete, besides RPI leader Ramdas Athawale for a tie-up.