Srinivas Vanga, the sitting MLA from Palghar and a member of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction, has been missing for over 13 hours after leaving home without notice. This troubling incident follows Vanga’s disappointment over being denied a party ticket for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Vanga, the son of late BJP MP Chintaman Vanga, won his seat in the 2019 elections as a Shiv Sena candidate. Following the party split, he aligned himself with Shinde’s faction during the rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership, expecting to be re-nominated. However, over the weekend, the party announced its candidates, choosing former MP Rajendra Gavit to represent Palghar, leaving Vanga out in the cold. The unexpected news prompted Vanga to voice his regret over his alliance with Shinde, labeling it a “grave mistake.” In a heartfelt statement to reporters, he described Uddhav Thackeray as a “dev manus” (God-like man), underscoring his sense of loss and disappointment.
Vanga’s family has expressed deep concern for his well-being, revealing that he has been struggling emotionally in recent days. They shared that he had withdrawn from communication and displayed signs of distress. His wife mentioned that he left home with only a few clothes in a small bag, and since his departure, he has not been in contact with anyone.
Sources indicate that Vanga had stopped eating and was openly weeping, even hinting at self-harm due to his disappointment over the party’s decision. In response to the situation, Chief Minister Shinde reportedly reached out to Vanga’s wife, assuring her that her husband might still be considered for a position in the Maharashtra Legislative Council.
The emotional turmoil surrounding Vanga’s situation has captured significant public attention, with videos of his remarks and tearful moments circulating widely on social media and news channels, fueling discussions in both public and political spheres.
As Maharashtra prepares for the elections to its 288-member assembly on November 20, with votes to be counted on November 23, Vanga’s disappearance adds a layer of urgency and concern to the ongoing political landscape.