Mumbai

In a significant setback for the BJP ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Gopal Shetty, a two-term MP, and former Corporator Atul Shah filed nomination papers as Independents on Tuesday, the final day for candidates to enter the race. Shetty, who was denied a ticket by the BJP during the Lok Sabha elections, is contesting from the Borivali seat, where the BJP has nominated Sanjay Upadhyay. Atul Shah, a close associate of former Union minister Jayawantiben Mehta, filed his papers for the Mumbadevi constituency, which the BJP has left for its ally, Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde. Shah had recently approached Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for a nomination but was unsuccessful.

Voting for the new 288-member Assembly is scheduled for November 20, with results to be announced on November 23. Shetty stated, I am running independently for the honor of Borivali residents. I remain loyal to my party. He expressed disappointment over being replaced in favor of candidates from outside Borivali. Shah echoed these feelings, saying, I worked hard in this constituency for five years, only to see the ticket given to someone else. Meanwhile, Shaina NC, nominated by the Shiv Sena for Mumbadevi, expressed gratitude to party leaders and emphasized her commitment to serving the community after filing her nomination.