The Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in Maharashtra start on April 19, covering Constituencies like Nagpur, Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST), Bhandara-Gondia, Chandrapur, and Ramtek (SC) in Maharashtra’s east Vidarbha region. Nominations for these seats closed on March 27.
In Vidarbha, the Congress plans to contest all five seats initially. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims for four seats, while the Shiv Sena, under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, targets one. The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), having split from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), joins the fray with candidates on four seats.
Lets have a look at the close battles in all five constituencies:
Nagpur:
In Nagpur, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari is ready to compete for a third term in the Lok Sabha constituency. However, there was uncertainty and a delay in his candidature, which led to Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray publicly criticizing the BJP’s initial list of candidates.
In the end, Congress nominaed Vikas Thakre, the current MLA from Nagpur West, to challenge Gadkari’s strong position. Thakre showed determination, saying that no seat is secure in the election and promising to carry out his party’s orders with full strength.
Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST):
The Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST) constituency offers a unique electoral setting, marked by its extensive geographical area and the existence of tribal communities amidst concerns about Naxal insurgency. Despite pressure from its ally, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the BJP chose to nominate sitting MP Ashok Nete, sticking to its decision.
Meanwhile, Congress introduced Dr. Namdev Kirsan, a former state government employee, as its candidate, selecting a new face to represent the constituency. VBA fielded Hitesh Madavi for the seat.
Bhandara-Gondia:
Bhandara-Gondia, stretching over two districts, is significant as the hometown constituency of Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole. Initially, there were speculations about Patole’s candidature, but the party nominated Dr. Prashant Padole, his trusted associate and distant relative, for the seat. The BJP reaffirmed the candidature of sitting MP Sunil Mendhe, as Patole withdrew, endorsing his loyal aide. The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) has put forward Vasant Rajaram Magar for the seat.
Chandrapur:
Chandrapur is a key focus in the initial phase of Maharashtra’s elections, as Maharashtra’s Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar seeks to recapture the seat previously held by Congress. After the unfortunate passing of the incumbent, Balu Dhanorkar, Congress nominated his wife, Pratibha Dhanorkar, sparking controversy within the party. Despite internal calls for a change in leadership, the daughter of senior leader Vijay Wadettiwar was not selected, leading to speculation of discord within Congress. Meanwhile, the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) announced Rajesh Belle as its candidate from Chandrapur.
Ramtek (SC):
The Ramtek (SC) constituency saw significant political turmoil, with Congress successfully securing the seat despite internal conflicts and defections. The nomination of Rashmi Barve by Congress met opposition from within the party, especially from Kishor Gajbhiye, raising concerns about the unity and cohesion of the Congress leadership.
Adding to the complexity, MLA Raju Parwe’s defection from Congress to Chief Minister Shinde’s Shiv Sena further muddled the situation. Interestingly, Raju Parwe’s move to the Shiv Sena camp possibly indicates his desire for a ticket to contest the Ramtek (SC) seat.
About Lok Sabha Elections Schedule
Maharashtra’s Lok Sabha elections will take place over five phases: April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20. The election results will be announced on June 4. The 2024 Lok Sabha polls will span seven phases from April 19 to June 1, covering 543 constituencies nationwide.