Maharashtra: BJP mulls airlifting ailing MLAs for Rajya Sabha polls

For the Rajya Sabha polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party is mulling airlifting MLAs who are battling health issues.

The Maharashtra BJP is leaving no stone unturned to grab each vote for the Rajya Sabha polls. The BJP has made arrangements to airlift MLAs who are suffering from any serious ailment and are still under treatment.

Laxman Jagtap, MLA from Pimpri - Chinchwad, and Mukta Tilak, MLA from Kasba peth Pune, are two such names from BJP who battling with health issues since last several days.

In April, Laxman Jagtap was hospitalised in a private hospital in Pune where he was kept on the ventilator. However, he was discharged on June 3 after a steady recovery in health. He is now at his home in Pimple Gurav. The party is mulling over options to bring him to vote in Vidhan Bhavan, Mumbai. As per party sources, BJP top leaders have kept air ambulance ready in case there is any risk in travel by road.

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Mukta Tilak had made it to the party meeting at Taj President on June 8. But, she was later admitted to a hospital in south Mumbai after complaints of restlessness. Hence, she will be brought in an ambulance to the Vidhan Bhavan.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis tested negative for Covid 19 earlier today. He was found positive for the virus a week back and was monitoring all the political developments virtually. After testing negative, Fadnavis is set to attend the meeting of BJP MLAs to discuss the strategy and mock training in Taj President today evening.

Elections to the Rajya Sabha will be held on Friday, June 10. In 288 - members Maharashtra assembly, every vote has gained prominence for each candidate in the fray. Seven candidates have filed nomination for six berths, in which Shiv Sena's Sanjay Pawar and BJP's Dhananjay Mahadik are pitted against each other for the sixth seat of Rajya Sabha.