An unexpected announcement by party's young MLA from Bhavani Peth Deepak Paigude that he would not re-contest the election has confused Sena's rank and file. Paigude declared on Sunday that he would prefer to devote his time for social cause instead of politics.

Paigude's decision has kicked off speculation in the party circles. A section of Sena leaders believe that Paigude's step is a political ploy aimed at creating sympathy for him by shocking the voters. ``Paigude would certainly contest the election if party asked him to do so,'' they believe.

Speculations were also rife in the party circles whether Paigude's announcement was sparked by the current tussle for power between Raj Thackray, Balasaheb Thackeray's nephew, and Uddhav, the supremo's son. Paigude is considered to be close to Raj Thackeray. The party workers believe that Paigude would not take any decision without consulting Raj.

The Sena, however, will have a tough job on hand if Paigude sticks to his stand. The names of corporator Rajan Kachi and Rambhau Parekh are already being discussed as probable candidates. Both Kachi and Parekh are staunch Sena loyalists. However, doubts are being raised about their electoral chances since none of them is from Maratha community, a dominant caste in Bhavani Peth segment, unlike Paigude.

Like Bhavani Peth, the Sena leaders are facing similar problem in Shivajinagar constituency. Shashikant Sutar, agriculture minister in Manohar Joshi-led cabinet, was asked to step down following allegations of corruption by Anna Hazare. Sutar was not re-inducted into the ministry even after he was absolved of the charges by a one-man inquiry commission.

The sources said party leadership is reluctant to field Sutar this time since he would be an embarassment to the party all over the state during electioneering. Besides, Sena leaders are also not reportedly confident of Sutar's loyalty. He was always said to be close to dissident camps in Sena - first the one led by Chhagan Bhujbal, now with Sharad Pawar, and later by Ganesh Naik who broke off from the party following differences with Manohar Joshi.

Aware of his diminished stock in the party, Sutar has been keeping low profile after being dropped from the ministry. The sources close to Sutar, however, revealed that he was indeed interested in contesting the election. In fact, he has already started priliminary election preparations, they said.

In case Sutar is not nominated, Vinayak Nimhan is touted as the probable candidate. Nimhan is very close to Sutar and has influence in Pashan area.Shirish Phadtare, grandson-in-law of Education Minister Sudhir Joshi, has also sought party nomination. Phadtare has already held discussions with the party leaders. He has been closely associated with Sthaniya Lokadhikar Samiti, a Sena wing and is actively involved with organisational matters for a long time.

Sena leaders are also reportedly not keen on fielding Suryakant Lonkar from Pune Cantonment assembly constituency. The Sena seniors in the city admit that Lonkar's victory last time was an ``accident.'' His performance as an MLA also leaves much to be desired. There is also resentment about Lonkar's style of functioning among grassroot level party workers. Party sources said it would be very difficult for them to retain the seat if Lonkar is nominated again. Deputy Mayor Mahadeo Babar is being persuaded to contest from cantonment.