The BJP in Maharashtra is facing challenges in selecting a candidate for the Solapur seat, while the Congress is preparing to nominate Praniti Shinde for the constituency.

The BJP in Maharashtra is eager to secure 45 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats for the NDA, but is facing challenges in finding a replacement for its Solapur MP. The party is considering candidates from outside the constituency to counter Praniti Shinde, daughter of Congress veteran Sushilkumar Shinde, who is expected to pose a strong challenge.

Solapur's seat is reserved for Scheduled Castes, which the BJP won in 2014 and 2019 by defeating Sushilkumar Shinde. As a confidant of the Gandhi family, Shinde has held significant political positions.

The BJP aims to replace its current Solapur MP, Jaisidheshvar Swami, with a new candidate to compete against Praniti Shinde. The party is exploring options like former BJP Rajya Sabha member Amar Sable from Pimpri and BJP legislator Ram Satpute from Mashiras in the neighboring Madha Lok Sabha constituency.

Efforts were made to bring Praniti Shinde into the BJP fold, but they were unsuccessful. The final decision on the Solapur candidate will be made by the party's high command.

Meanwhile, Praniti Shinde has been actively campaigning in the constituency, although the Congress has not yet officially declared her candidature. Her father is also rallying support for the Congress candidate.

The Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra are scheduled to begin on April 19th.