Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, has chosen to replace two incumbent MPs in Maharashtra before the upcoming elections.

Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena in Maharashtra decided to replace two sitting MPs in the Hingoli and Yavatmal-Washim constituencies.

Shiv Sena, under the leadership of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has made significant changes to its lineup for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state. Hemant Patil, the incumbent MP from Hingoli, has been replaced by Baburao Kadam, who heads the Shinde Sena in the district. This decision was reportedly influenced by the BJP, Shiv Sena's coalition partner, urging the party to drop Patil.

Similarly, Bhavana Gawali, a five-time MP from Yavatmal-Washim, has also been replaced. Despite her efforts to retain her seat through discussions with Chief Minister Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, she was unsuccessful. In an attempt to appease Hemant Patil, his wife Rajashree will now contest from the Hingoli seat.

There is speculation that Gawali might choose to run independently if denied a party ticket. To handle this situation, the party has assigned senior leader and Cabinet minister Dada Bhide the responsibility of resolving the matter.

The nomination process for Mahayuti candidates in the Yavatmal-Washim and Hingoli Lok Sabha constituencies is expected to witness the participation of Shinde, Fadnavis, and NCP’s Ajit Pawar. Both these seats were previously won by the undivided Shiv Sena in 2019.

Under Shinde's leadership, Shiv Sena has announced candidates for eight constituencies so far, including Mumbai South Central, Kolhapur, Shirdi (SC), Buldhana, Hingoli, Maval, Hatkanangale, and Ramtek (SC). Maharashtra sends 48 MPs to the Lok Sabha.