Nashik: Two women — the mayor and a relative of a late minister — are believed to be vying for BJP ticket from the reserved constituency of Dindori in Nashik district, from where sitting MP Harishchandra Chavan has been elected for three consecutive terms.According to sources in the BJP, Bharti Pawar, daughter-in-law of former minister, the late A T Pawar, and mayor Ranjana Bhansi have already swung into action.Pawar, who is a medical professional, had unsuccessfully contested on an NCP ticket from the same constituency. She became jittery when the NCP leadership inducted senior Shiv Sena leader Dhanraj Mahale into the party-fold and he may get the ticket.“There were instances in the past when Pawar met senior BJP leaders, including district guardian minister Girish Mahajan, and indicated her willingness to contest the elections. The state BJP leadership is exploring the possibility of giving the ticket to her,” said a senior BJP leader.Pawar refused to comment on the issue but admitted that she had heard that her name was being considered for the seat by the BJP leadership. She, however, criticised Mahale’s induction into the NCP-fold. “It is demoralising if an outsider is taken into the party just before the elections. It sends a wrong signal to the party workers,” she said.Sources said that Bhansi, daughter of former MP Raut Kachru Bhau, is also in touch with senior party leaders in the state, expressing her willingness to contest the polls from Dindori. “Her case too has been discussed with the party and senior office-bearers as well. However, the final decision is yet to be taken.”When contacted, the mayor admitted that she was keen on contesting the elections if the party wanted her to. “I am in touch with the party office-bearers. I am keen to become a member of Parliament. I think the party will not stop me,” she said.Sitting MP Chavan, however, said there is no reason for the party to replace him. “I have been elected MP from the constituency for the last three terms, although BJP has just one MLA in the six assembly segments.”Chavan refused to comment on those trying to get the party ticket. “I know the party will be wise in taking the right decision,” he added.

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