The upcoming assembly election puts Vidarbha in the spotlight, with 62 seats spread across 11 districts. This region is crucial for government formation and is fiercely contested between the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalitions. In 2019, the BJP emerged as the dominant force in Vidarbha, winning 29 seats, followed by Congress with 15 seats, undivided NCP with six, and unified Shiv Sena with four. Smaller parties and independents, including Prahar Janshakti, secured a total of five seats. With the split in NCP and Shiv Sena and the rise of independents, Vidarbha is poised to be a key battleground this time around.
East Vidarbha, comprising six districts - Nagpur, Wardha, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Gondia, and Bhandara, has historically been a stronghold for the BJP. However, internal conflicts and the resurgent MVA present significant challenges to Mahayuti's dominance in the region. Nagpur, with its 12 politically significant seats, is gearing up for high-stakes battles. The BJP, which won 11 seats in 2014 but saw a decrease to six in 2019, faces tough competition in the city. Congress aims to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiment and regain seats in Nagpur city, particularly in the South and Central constituencies where it narrowly lost to the BJP last time. The party is also looking to strengthen its position in Nagpur North and West seats, which it won in 2019.
In rural Nagpur, Congress is focusing on farmer distress and local developmental issues, exploiting the weaknesses that proved detrimental to the BJP in 2019. The BJP, on the other hand, relies on the popularity of its local leaders and organizational strength to retain its seats.
The battle lines are being drawn in Wardha as well, with the BJP expected to face tough competition from Congress in the assembly constituency. Deoli will likely see a contest between BJP and Congress or Shiv Sena, while Hinganghat is gearing up for a seat defense battle by BJP against NCP.With both alliances carefully considering their options for candidates, there are political challenges in Gadchiroli, a tribal-dominated district. Internal conflicts within the BJP are proving to be a significant hurdle, with Gadchiroli MLA Dr. Deorao Holi hinting at growing dissent. The MVA is making a strong push to replace the BJP, particularly in the Aheri seat where NCP's Bhagyashree Atram, a formidable candidate, is challenging her father Dharamrao Baba Atram of NCP (Ajit). A tight Congress-BJP contest is expected in Armori.
Chandrapur, an industrial hub and a BJP stronghold, is gearing up for tough competition in its six constituencies. The fight in Chandrapur constituency is intense, with both Shiv Sena and BJP vying for independent MLA Kishor Jorgewar's support. BJP's Sudhir Mungantiwar, facing strong opposition in Ballarpur after a challenging Lok Sabha election, is a key figure to watch. Meanwhile, in Bramhapuri, Congress's Vijay Wadettiwar is aiming for a third consecutive term. The Warora seat, left vacant by Congress MLA Pratibha Dhanorkar's victory in the LS poll, may go to Wadettiwar's daughter Shivani, and in Rajura, Congress MLA Subhash Dhote may face a BJP challenger.
In Gondia, strategies are being finalized as BJP's Vinod Agrawal, a former independent MLA, contends with Congress's Gopaldas Agrawal. In Tiroda, BJP's Vijay Rahangdale will compete against NCP's Ravikant Bopche. The political scene in Arjuni Moragaon is still uncertain, with NCP (Ajit Pawar) expected to announce its candidate soon. In Amgaon, Congress's Sasharam Korote is preparing for a tough battle against an as-yet-undeclared BJP candidate.
In Bhandara, all three constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Castes. Independent MLA Narendra Bhondekar, an ally of the Shinde faction, is facing opposition within the BJP regarding his nomination. In Tumsar, NCP's Raju Karemore will face off against his rival, former MLA Charan Waghmare, now associated with the NC party.P (Sharad Pawar) is a key player in the upcoming elections, with the Congress also expressing interest in the seat, adding an element of intrigue. The Sakoli constituency, currently held by MPCC president Nana Patole, is expected to witness a closely fought battle, as several BJP candidates vie for the ticket. The Western Vidarbha region, encompassing districts like Amravati, Yavatmal, Akola, Washim, and Buldhana, has traditionally been a stronghold of the MVA alliance, although the BJP has made gains in the past two elections. However, internal disputes over seat-sharing among Congress, NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT) are complicating the parties' electoral strategies. Amravati is a hub of political activity, with intense competition expected in the main seat of the district. Congress and NCP (Ajit Pawar) are competing for dominance, while smaller parties like MNS could influence the outcome. In Yavatmal, the BJP has made significant inroads in a district that was previously dominated by Congress, with five out of seven seats now under BJP control. Congress is striving to regain its foothold, particularly in Pusad and Digras. In Akola, a four-way contest is on the horizon, with Mahayuti, MVA, VBA, and Prahar Janshakti expected to field strong candidates. Washim will see a triangular battle in constituencies like Karanja and Risod.A triangular contest is expected between the Mahayuti, MVA, and VBA political alliances. The BJP is likely to nominate Lakhan Malik again in Washim, while a new candidate will be chosen in Karanja following the passing of current MLA Rajendra Patni. Congress's Amit Zanak is seeking his fourth term in Risod. In Buldhana, there will be a unique situation where two factions of the Shiv Sena, Sena (UBT) and Sena (Shinde), will face off in various constituencies. Uddhav's Shiv Sena is focusing on securing the Buldhana and Mehkar seats, while Congress aims to win in Malkapur, Chikhli, Jalgaon Jamod, and Khamgaon. Additionally, there is a possibility of NCP (Sharad Pawar) nominating Rajendra Shingane in Sindkhed Raja, though there may be internal disagreements within the MVA that could complicate the race.
