The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership in Maval too heaved a sigh of relief when Vishwanath Bhegde, who had filed his nominations declaring himself a rebel against the party's official candidate Digambar Bhegde, withdrew from the contest.

Bhegde had filed nominations as BJP nominee as well as an Independent candidate in Maval Assembly constituency. His nomination as the party's candidate was found invalid during scrutiny on Wednesday as he had not submitted the B-form. However, he continued to remain in the fray as his other nomination as an Independent candidate was found valid.