BJP's Nashik unit eyes cabinet berth for elected leaders

NASHIK: The Bharatiya Janta Party's (BJP) Nashik unit, which added three seats to the party-tally, is eyeing for a ministerial berth coming its way as it did during the saffron alliance rule way back in 1995-99.
"There were instances when Nashik received the ministerial berth in almost every state government - be it the Congress, or the saffron alliance, or even during the time of the Democratic Front.But the most remarkable thing happened only when Daulatrao Aher was the health minister who brought Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) and also Referral Hospital - now even treating the cancer patients. We know a similar portfolio this time will also be worth," a senior party leader from BJP said on condition of anonymity. Most BJP leaders from Nashik are in Mumbai to celebrate the party's performance in the just concluded assembly elections.
The district had got minsters in Pushpa Hiray, Daulatrao Aher and Chhagan Bhujbal during various regimes. The BJP now has got four MLAs from the district - increasing the tally from one and the party is upbeat about the same as it was also got two women candidates elected. The party's performance was similar in other districts of North Maharashtra as it increased the tally by three in Jalgaon and Ahmednagar to six and five MLAs.
"No doubt there has been an impressive rise in the tally in other districts too, but the performance in Nashik outsmarts others and further more the city also faces civic body elections in the shortest time of two-and-a-half years. We believe the party will weigh the circumstances and go justice," the leader said.
Over the possibilities of the ministership, Rahul Daultrao Aher appears to be the frontrunner and Devayani Pharande is close behind him.
"The chances are that a good portfolio - as good as health ministry - may be handed over to Dr Rahul Aher, who is also the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Nashik unit president," another leader said.
BJP office-bearers and the three newly elected MLAs were in Mumbai for the celebrations hosted by the party there to welcome the newly elected representatives on Monday.