In place of Sangli, SSS offered Shirdi by Congress

KOLHAPUR: After Congress faced stiff resistance from party workers against the handing over of the Sangli seat to the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS), it has offered the Shirdi constituency to the farmer organization. The SSS has expressed its readiness to accept Shirdi.


“We have a strong candidate in Shirdi.

We wanted either Buldhana or Shirdi. If Shirdi is not possible, Congress should talk to NCP and take the decision,” said Raju Shetti.

The Shirdi offer from Congress comes in the wake of strong sentiments expressed by party workers on Friday.

Kolhapur Congress head Prakash Aawade and Vishwajeet Kadam met Raju Shetti in Jaysingpur late on Friday and asked the SSS not to insist on Sangli. They told Shetti the party was ready to give up Hingoli in Marathwada or Shirdi in Ahmednagar district . Shetti agreed on Shirdi.

Shirdi is reserved constituency in Ahmednagar district, the home district of leader of the opposition, Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil. The seat in 2014 was contested by a Congress candidate who lost by more than two lakh votes against Sena’s Sadashiv Lokhande. Hingoli is one of two seats, where Congress won in 2014. Winner Rajiv Satav is not contesting this year as he has been given responsibilities in Gujrat. Sources said Congress was reluctant to give up Wardha as it plans to field a family member of a major leader.