Khadse files as independent candidate in Maharashtra elections, accuses Congress chief of ticket sales

Former Congress MLA Vijay Khadse has filed to run as an independent candidate in the Maharashtra Assembly elections after being denied a party ticket. He accused state Congress chief Nana Patole of "selling tickets" and ignoring loyal candidates. Khadse, who previously won the Umarkhed seat in 2009, claimed he was overlooked for an external candidate despite being the most popular choice according to internal surveys. He criticized the party's lack of transparency in the selection process. In response, Patole dismissed Khadse's allegations, suggesting that the truth about who is "for sale" is known in Maharashtra. Khadse's independent run could weaken Congress's position in Umarkhed, raising concerns about internal divisions ahead of the elections.