A well-placed source told The Indian Express that More's candidature, supported by senior party leader Sharad Pawar was approved by the party bosses in New Delhi. The sources said Pawar had a long meeting with AICC general secretary Madhavrao Scindia, who is incharge of Maharashtra, at the later's residence in New Delhi over the issue.

The official announcement on More's candidature had been delayed since party leaders have not yet finalised the names of candidates in Nanded and Yavatmal constituencies. More's name was expected to be announced along with other candidates.

Meanwhile, Suresh Kalamadi's Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi is likely to field former corporator Shrikant Shirole against the Congress candidate. Former mayor Kamal Vyavhare, whose name was earlier announced by the MVA, today said she was not willing to contest the election because of personal problems. A final decision on the MVA's candidate would be taken when Kalmadi arrives in the city tomorrow. The Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena are also expected to support the MVA candidate.

Talathis on strike
As many as 700 talathis in Pune district will go on an indefinite strike from Monday to press for their long-standing demands. The strike is a part of the State-wide indefinite agitation launched by the Maharashtra Rajya Talathi Sangh.

According to a press note issued by the sangh, the government had been neglecting their demand for pay scale revision for a long time, forcing them to go on a strike. The talathis have not been getting travelling allowance.