Daijiworld Media Network - Pune

Pune, Jan 2: Shinde Sena leader Uddhav Kamble, who made headlines for tearing and allegedly swallowing the AB form of another candidate from his own party, has finally withdrawn his candidature. Kamble was eager to contest from Ward No. 36 but decided to retract his nomination following intervention from party leadership.

Deputy Chief Minister and Shinde Sena chief Eknath Shinde reportedly called Kamble, assuring him, “No injustice will be done to you.” Following this assurance, Kamble opted to withdraw his nomination. Shinde Sena leader and minister Uday Samant, currently on a Pune visit, also called Kamble for a meeting. Kamble’s withdrawal is seen as a relief for the party’s officially nominated candidate.

The incident occurred at the Dhanakwadi-Sahakarnagar regional office in Pune, where Kamble filed his nomination. During the scrutiny process on December 31, as various candidates and election officials gathered, Kamble allegedly grabbed the AB form of a rival candidate from the officials, ran toward the washroom, and tore it into pieces, which he then swallowed.

Police at Bharati Vidyapeeth police station have registered a case in connection with the incident. According to election officer Supriya Karmarkar, the scrutiny process involved candidates requesting to see the nomination forms of their rivals. When Kamble was shown the AB form of another candidate, he allegedly snatched it and ran toward the washroom, tearing and consuming the pieces.

The dramatic episode had triggered widespread discussion and drew attention to the internal party tussles within Shinde Sena. Kamble’s decision to withdraw comes after assurances from party leadership that his interests would be protected.