Nashik: BJP rebel and former Member of Parliament Pratapdada Sonawane is in no mood to withdraw his nomination from the MLC Teachers’ Constituency election despite appeals made by state party president Raosaheb Danve.The election is to be held on June 25. Danve, who was in the city on Wednesday, asked Sonawane to withdraw his name but, the latter did not pay any heed and is campaigning hard in Bhusawal.It is for the first time that the BJP has officially fielded a candidate, Aniket Patil in the election. Shiv Sena has supported Kishore Darade, while Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has sponsored Sandeep Bedase. The Indian National Congress had fielded Ajit Lathar, but his form was rejected as he was less than 30-year-old, a mandatory condition.“I am fighting for the justice of the teachers in the state. These teachers are forced to do all kinds of works, but when it comes to payments, remunerations, facilities, they are given nothing,” Sonawane said.Asked about the party’s appeal to withdraw his nomination, the former MP said, “I know the nature of the party workers and leaders. I am sure they will never accept a person coming from another party.”To substantiate his claim, he said that many of the party workers stayed away from the campaigning for the official candidate and that they were in touch with him all the time.Aniket on the other hand claimed that the rebel would not have much of an impact on the party’s prospects in the election. “The BJP is in full support for me. During our meetings and rallies, the kind of support given to me by the teachers and the party leaders alone tells the story,” he said.On the theory of being imported, the leader said, “We don’t believe is such theories. The party has found me as an eligible candidate and gave an opportunity.”

Stay updated with all the Latest Nashik headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.