A redrawn political map of the country after the delimitation of the Lok Sabha constituencies has thrown up a challenge for Union Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde.

This time, it will not be easy for him to field his daughter or other lieutenant from the Solapur parliamentary constituency, his home turf for decades. Reason: Republican Party of India (RPI) leader Ramdas Athvale has let it be known that he is very much an aspirant from the same constituency in the forthcoming elections.

The RPI is part of the ruling alliance in the state. The Pandharpur (now Madha constituency after the delimitation) has been made 'open' in the delimitation process.

Since the constituency has been declared reserved, Shinde might have believed that it would be easier for him to field his political heir, Praniti Shinde, his younger daughter from the seat. She has spread the network of her NGO, Jai-Jui, all over the district with her ideas of helping the weaker sections. However, Athavale's claim may change his calculation.

He says he is confident that Congress chief Sonia Gandhi will give him the seat as a part of an alliance comprising the Congress, NCP and the RPI. "Our party is a true partner in the coalition. Without our strength, it was not possible for the alliance to claim victory in the state", he said.

Athavale is an influential Dalit leader and has romped home for two consecutive terms as MP from Pandharpur.

"The Chief Minister (Vilasrao Deshmukh) has offered his home town Latur constituency to me. But I have made up my mind to contest from Solapur," Athavale told The Indian Express.

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