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The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, held on November 20th, witnessed a highly fragmented political landscape, a stark contrast to previous years. This fragmentation stemmed primarily from significant splits within the Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) over the past two years. The resulting alliances, Mahayuti (ruling coalition) and Maha Vikas Aghadi (opposition alliance), fielded a combined 4,136 candidates across 288 seats, with a substantial number being independent contenders. The article highlights twenty key electoral battles, focusing on prominent candidates and their respective constituencies. These battles represent not just individual contests but also broader power struggles within and between the splintered parties, reflecting the intricate and complex political dynamics of Maharashtra.
One of the most keenly watched contests is the clash between Devendra Fadnavis (BJP) and Praful Gudadhe (Congress) in Nagpur South West. Fadnavis, a BJP stalwart with a long-standing political presence in Nagpur, faces a challenge from Gudadhe, who hopes to capitalize on potential anti-incumbency sentiments. The rivalry between Eknath Shinde (Shinde Sena) and Kedar Dighe (Sena UBT) in Kopri-Pachpakhadi adds another layer of complexity. This contest pits Shinde against the nephew of his late mentor, Anand Dighe, highlighting the deep-seated factionalism within the Shiv Sena. The intra-party conflict within the NCP is vividly portrayed in the Baramati contest between Ajit Pawar (NCP Ajit Pawar) and Yugendra Pawar (NCP Sharad Pawar). This fight, pitting uncle against nephew, underscores the deep divisions caused by the party split and adds a significant family drama to the election.
The Worli constituency showcases the battle between Aaditya Thackeray (Sena UBT) and Milind Deora (Shinde Sena). This contest is significant because it marks the first time Aaditya Thackeray, son of Uddhav Thackeray, faces a direct challenge from a prominent figure within the rival faction. The family legacy and political future of the Thackerays are intertwined with the outcome of this election. The Ranes, a prominent political family, are also engaged in multiple key contests. Nilesh Rane (Shinde Sena) contests against Vaibhav Naik (Sena UBT) in Kudal, and Nitesh Rane (Shinde Sena) seeks a third term against Sandesh Parkar (Sena UBT) in Kankavali. These contests symbolize the political inheritance and continuation of the Rane family's influence in the region. In Bandra East, the battle between Zeeshan Siddique (NCP Ajit Pawar) and Varun Sardesai (Sena UBT) is marked by a strong emotional element, with Siddique seeking justice for his murdered father, and the constituency's proximity to Matoshree adding significance to the contest.
The Deshmukh brothers, sons of the late Vilasrao Deshmukh, are fighting to uphold their father's legacy in Latur. Dhiraj Deshmukh faces Ramesh Karad, while Amit Deshmukh contests against Archana Chakurkar. The Mahim constituency features a high-stakes three-way battle among Amit Thackeray (MNS), Mahesh Sawant (Sena UBT), and Sada Sarvankar (Shinde Sena). This contest holds symbolic importance for all three parties, representing a fight for the legacy of Bal Thackeray. Another high-profile battle involves Chhagan Bhujbal (NCP Ajit Pawar) and Manikrao Shinde (NCP Sharad Pawar) in Yevla. This internal NCP conflict stems from the party split and highlights the deep divisions within the party. In Bandra West, Ashish Shelar (BJP) faces Asif Zakaria (Congress), representing a contest between established and rising political figures.
The Mankhurd-Shivajinagar constituency witnesses the controversial candidature of Nawab Malik, facing a money laundering investigation, despite the Shinde Sena nominating Shivaji Patil. In Mumbadevi, Shaina NC (Shinde Sena) faces a formidable opponent in Amin Patel (Congress), who has won multiple terms. The Parli constituency features a battle between Dhananjay Munde (NCP Ajit Pawar) and Rajesahab Deshmukh (NCP Sharad Pawar), a clash intensified by the reservation issue and the rivalry between OBC and Maratha communities. Chandrashekhar Bawankule (BJP) and Suresh Yadavrao Bhoyar (Congress) contest in Kamthi, with Bawankule relying on his strong local support, while Bhoyar hopes to capitalize on anti-incumbency. Sudhir Mungantiwar (BJP) and Santoshsingh Chandansingh Rawat (Congress) face off in Ballarpur, with Mungantiwar seeking to retain the seat amidst potential anti-incumbency concerns.
Chandrakant Patil (BJP) faces a triangular contest against Chandrakant Mokate (Sena UBT) and Kishor Shinde (MNS) in Kothrud. Girish Mahajan (BJP) and Dilip Khodpe (NCP Sharad Pawar) contest in Jamner. This contest features a former aide turning opponent. In Malabar Hill, Mangal Prabhat Lodha (BJP) faces Bherulal Choudhary (Sena UBT) in a closely watched battle. Raosaheb Danve (BJP) contests against Chandrakant Danve (NCP Sharad Pawar) in Bhokardan, potentially affected by the Jarange-Maratha factor. Finally, the Airoli constituency sees a contest between Ganesh Naik (BJP), Vijay Choughule (Shinde Sena), and MK Madhavi (Sena UBT), representing a complex intra-alliance battle. The results of these twenty key contests will significantly shape the political landscape of Maharashtra in the years to come, reflecting the shifting alliances and deep-seated factionalism within the state's major political parties.
Source: Maharashtra Election 2024 Key Candidates: Thackerays To Pawars, The 20 Big Fights