In an abrupt move, Jaisingh Mapare, the sarpanch (headman) of Anna Hazare’s village, Monday withdrew his nomination as a Nationalist Congress Party candidate for the Zilla Parishad polls, alleging “sabotage” by party leaders.

Mapare took the decision to withdraw his candidature for the Feb 7 elections following a meeting of the villagers held here Monday afternoon.

Confirming the developments, NCP state spokesman Madan Bafna said Mapare had informed the party of his decision to quit the electoral race.

“We are not aware of the reason for this sudden change, but it must be something major. We shall inquire into the issue and take suitable steps,” Bafna told IANS.

Contacted by IANS, Mapare alleged that a former legislator was seeking to sabotage his electoral bid.

“The former legislator from this region, Vasantrao Jhavade and his son Sujit have been openly campaigning against me since the past few weeks, sabotaging my prospects,” Mapare told IANS.

He further claimed that Jhavade harboured old enmity with Hazare and was opposed to his (Mapare’s) candidature

“In fact, Jhavade has put up an independent candidate to oppose me and was campaigning among the villagers not to vote for me,” Mapare added.

He said he brought this to the notice of the NCP top brass, including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Ahmednagar district guardian minister Babanrao Pachpute who urged him to go ahead and contest the polls.

However, in view of Hazare’s frail health and the vitiated atmosphere within the party, Mapare said that after taking the villagers’ permission, he decided to withdraw from the electoral race.