Shinde Camp’s MLA Backs Rival Faction’s Candidate After Raj Thackeray

A Maharashtra by-election has generated cross-party support for the candidate, Rutuja Latke, who is running after her husband, Shiv Sena MLA Ramesh Latke, died earlier this year.

Rutuja Latke, a Sena candidate, is running against BJP candidate Murji Patel from her husband’s Andheri (East) constituency. Raj Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray’s estranged cousin, was one of the first figures to come out in her support.

In a surprising move, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chairman wrote to BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, begging him to withdraw his party’s candidate so that Rutuja Latke may win the by-polls unopposed.

Hours later, an MLA from the rival Eknath Shinde camp wrote to the Chief Minister, requesting that the BJP not field a candidate against Ms. Latke in honor of her late husband. MLA Pratap Sarnaik wrote to Mr. Shinde last night, urging all parties to support Ms. Latke and allow her to win the poll.

Nominations for the Andheri East bypoll on November 3 are due today.

Raj Thackeray wrote to Devendra Fadnavis earlier on Sunday: “Rutuja Latke, the widow of late Ramesh Latke, is running for office after her husband’s death. I witnessed Ramesh Latke’s transformation from laborer to MLA. His wife becoming an MLA after his death would be a fitting homage to his soul.”

The letter was addressed to “Dear buddy Devendra,” Raj Thackeray added, “I believe we are paying honor to the late representative of the people by doing this.” This is also consistent with Maharashtra’s rich culture. I hope you will consider my plea.”