Pimpri: Amidst the speculation of Maval MP Shrirang Barane and Shirur MP Adhalrao Patil, both from Shiv Sena, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Barane has clarified that they are planning to contest on Shiv Sena tickets in the 2019 parliamentary election. 

Both MPs have conducted a series of meetings with officials of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and Pimpri Chinchwad New Town Development Authority (PCNTDA), and taken a review of development of PCMC projects. 

Both MPs have put the speculation to rest and hinted they are ready to take the ruling BJP head-on. 

Notably, the tug of war between Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge and Patil has intensified, as there is competition between them for getting credit for development in the area. 

Patil said, “My leader is Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray and we are going to win this election. The changes in Sena’s organisational structure are in the offing, in order to strengthen the party.”

Barne told reporters, “My enemies are planting news about my so-called joining of BJP. We are going to contest under the leadership of Thackeray. People who are scared of my work are jealous of it and are purposely spreading such news.”