Maharashtra BJP MLC and Nagpur Nagarik Sahakari Bank Chairman Sanjay Bhende has emerged as the frontrunner in the Multi-State Cooperative Societies constituency of the NCUI General Council elections, for which polling is scheduled on July 18.
Bhende, who initially appeared to be at a disadvantage compared with the Sahakar Bharati-backed candidate, has significantly improved his prospects.
Six candidates are in the fray: Maharashtra BJP MLC Sanjay Bhende, Nakul Kadu, C.B. Jisso, Suresh Wable, G.R. Ravinchandran and Jitendra Jain.
Kadu, who had the backing of Sahakar Bharati, was earlier considered a strong contender. However, sources say Bhende mounted an intensive campaign to garner support in his favour.
Reliable sources indicate that the Maharashtra BJP strongly backed Bhende’s candidature, prompting Sahakar Bharati to reportedly scale back its support for Kadu.
The electoral college comprises 44 members, a significant number of whom are associated with Sahakar Bharati. According to sources, NCUI elections this time have witnessed close coordination between the BJP and Sahakar Bharati, and the latter did not wish to upset this understanding over a single seat.
