Cong is likely to announce the names of Dhangekar, Jagtap and Thopte in the first list

Though discussions on seat-sharing under the Maha Vikas Aghadi Alliance (MVA) have been delayed, the Congress party has almost finalized the selection of three candidates from Pune constituency and their names are expected to be announced anytime, sources involved in the process said.

The candidates whose tickets are almost confirmed are Ravindra Dhangekar for Kasba Peth, Sangram Thopte for Bhor and Sanjay Jagtap for Purandar. All three are party MLAs.

However, the announcement of constituencies in Pune and Shivajinagar cantonments may come at a later stage as there are many candidates contesting for these seats. According to high-level sources in the party involved in the decision-making process, these people will be on the second list.

“The party leadership has decided to publish its first list, which does not contain any internal conflict. The tickets of the sitting MLAs have been confirmed,” the source said.

Though there was significant competition for the Kasba Peth seat, senior Congress leaders ultimately decided to support Dhangekar’s candidature.

A rivalry is shaping up in Purandar between Sanjay Jagtap and Shiv Sena leader Vijay Shivtare. Sources suggest that the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is likely to get only one seat in Pune constituency – Purandar.

During the Lok Sabha elections, Shivtare planned to contest as an independent candidate to hurt Sunetra Pawar’s prospects, but Ajit Pawar, Shinde and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis convinced him to withdraw his nomination. They have reportedly promised to include him in the upcoming assembly elections. Jagtap and Shivtare have a history of electoral battles in Purandar. Even though Shivtare was the Minister of State for the previous term, Jagtap emerged victorious in their last contest.