Navneet Rana, the current Amravati MP, joined the BJP on Wednesday and was announced as the party's candidate for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, sparking discontent among some ruling allies in Maharashtra.

MLA Bacchu Kadu and former MP Anandrao Adsul expressed dismay over Rana's candidature, terming it as a "downfall of democracy" and "political suicide," respectively.

Navneet Rana's candidacy is marred by allegations of submitting a fake caste certificate, leading to legal proceedings and criticisms from various quarters.

The opposition Congress party has fielded its sitting MLA Balwant Wankhede as a counter-candidate, signaling a competitive electoral battle in the Amravati constituency.

Meanwhile, Rana urged unity among National Democratic Alliance (NDA) constituents and sought support for her candidacy emphasising the need for collective backing for the region's development.

She highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for securing over 400 seats and expressed her aspiration that the Amravati constituency must contribute to the goal.

Rana, a former actor turned politician, pledged to continue serving the area despite facing challenges and controversies, including the recent caste certificate dispute.