Photo Credit - Shrirang Appa Barne/ X

Pune: Shrirang Barne, better known as Appa Barne, and Sanjoy Waghere, both of whom are contesting against each other in Maval Lok Sabha seat, have filed their nomination papers.

While Barne filed his nomination paper on Monday, Waghere filed his nomination paper on Tuesday.

Both held a road show where bigwigs participating. For Barne, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde turned up. Also, present was none other than Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Mr Pawar's presence surprised many. Because Mr Barne had defeated his son Parth Pawar from Maval seat in 2019 elections. It was a huge embarrassment for the Pawar family. First time, a member of Pawar family had lost the Lok Sabha election and lost very badly. Though Ajit Pawar did make his presence felt, he avoided saying much. Rohit Pawar flayed Ajit Pawar. ''If Ajit Pawar as father is doing nothing, I as brother of Parth Pawar will avenge his defeat,'' Rohit Pawar took a jibe at Ajit Pawar.

For Waghere, Aditya Thackeray and Congress leaders turned up during filing of nomination papers. Aditya Thackeray was in his element as he emulated the way Ekanth Shinde had allegedly cried before Uddhav Thackeray in May 2022. ''Eknath Shinde was crying. He told my father that BJP will put him in jail and therefore we should join hands with them,'' said Aditya. He also alleged that a cash godown belonging to Mr Shinde was found and after which he got scared of jail.

The Shiv Sena dismissed the allegations made by Aditya. "Don't take Aditya seriously. No one in Maharashtra takes him serious,'' said Uday Samant, Minister and leader belonging to the Shiv Sena.