Colaba MLA and former Assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar is set to be re-elected to the legislative post as the last date for submitting nominations passed without any challenges. The deadline for submitting nominations was set for 12pm on Sunday, and with no opposition nominations filed, Narwekar’s election is now virtually uncontested
His official election announcement is expected to take place on today (December 9). The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition did not file any nomination, citing a lack of sufficient numbers. Narwekar, who has served as the speaker for the past two-and-a-half years, filed his nomination flanked by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule
According to sources, there was considerable speculation within the BJP about fielding a new face for the post, especially after Narwekar had shown interest in a ministerial position in the new government. The names of former ministers Sudhir Mungantiwar and Chandrakant Patil, both of whom have substantial experience in the legislature, were also considered for the role. However, both declined the offer, said sources.
They added that even Ashish Shelar had expressed interest in the position, but the BJP ultimately decided to continue with Narwekar. He was chosen given his effective leadership in managing the assembly’s affairs during a challenging period following the splitting of parties, explained sources.
Thanking the top leadership for giving him another chance, Narwekar said, “The BJP is a party with a difference. When any responsibility is entrusted to someone, it is not their age or experience that matters, but their merit. The BJP has consistently promoted the youth and my selection reaffirms the belief.” Slamming the opposition in a veiled manner, he said, “Many people have criticised me in the past. However, apart from criticism, they have not done anything else. No one has been successful in proving any flaws in my results on the party split issues.”
