Will contest as Independent from Mumbai North-East if BJP fields Kirit Somaiya: Sunil Raut

Shiv Sena MLA Sunil Raut has said he would contest from Mumbai North-East "no matter what."

Speaking to ANI, Sunil, the brother of Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut, said he would contest as an Independent candidate if BJP fields Kirit Somaiya.

"I will contest Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai North-East constituency even if Kirit Somaiya is given a ticket by the BJP. I will go independent if needed. I am 100 per cent sure that I will contest from this seat no matter what," he said.

It may be noted that the BJP and Shiv Sena are yet to reach a consensus over Somaiya's candidature from the Mumbai North-East Lok Sabha constituency.

As per the seat-sharing pact between the two political parties, the BJP will fight on the Mumbai North-East seat. However, the Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena has been opposing Somaiya's candidature.

Polling in Mumbai North-East parliamentary seat in Maharashtra will be held on April 29 in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections and the counting of votes will take place on May 23. The last day for filing nominations is April 9.