Maharashtra leaders' kins wait in the wings

Shiv Sena leader Raj Thackeray might have candidly admitted his desire to test the electoral waters and occupy the coveted seat of Maharashtra's chief minister but close relatives of many senior political leaders in the state are awaiting their turn in the wings, silently.

As the state gears up for electoral battle, these leaders are making efforts to secure "tickets" for their offsprings or close relatives.

Pankaj Bhujbal, son of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, is "nursing" his father's Mazgaon Assembly constituency.

"There is too much of pressure on me from the party workers," Pankaj said when asked about his plans to contest the October 13 Assembly polls.

The senior Bhujbal was defeated from this constituency in 1995 by a little-known Shiv Sainik Bala Nandgaonkar after he defected to the Congress in the early 90s.

Asked whether he is seeking ticket for his son, the feisty NCP leader skirting the issue says "it is for the party leadership to decide."

Similarly, the Congress circles are abuzz with talk that Raj Shroff, son-in-law of Maharashtra Chief Minister SK Shinde is keen to contest from the south Mumbai.

Congress leader Eknath Gaikwad, who earned the sobriquet of a "giant killer" after humbling former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi in the recent general elections, is keen to secure a party ticket for his daughter Varsha from Dharavi, a reserved seat, the party sources said.

Gaikwad has represented Dharavi in 1985, 1990 and 1999.

Meanwhile, Congress MP RS Gavai wants his son Rajendra Gavai to get a ticket, sources added.

And BJP leaders are also not far behind in the race. Former BJP member of Parliament Kirit Somaiya is making all efforts to get the ticket of the Mulund Assembly constituency for his wife, the party sources said.

Former Petroleum Minister Ram Naik also wants that his daughter be given a ticket from the Borivli Assembly constituency, sources added.