Conflict in Vidarbha: Mahayuti Works to Defend Territory, MVA Struggles for Status, Congress Aims to Regain Territory
Vidarbha, which comprises 62 seats across 11 districts, is in the spotlight this assembly election and likely to play a crucial role in govt formation, making it a fiercely contested region between th...
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In the upcoming assembly election, Vidarbha, with 62 seats spread across 11 districts, is a crucial region that will influence government formation. The Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are engaged in a fierce battle for dominance in this area. In 2019, BJP emerged as the leading party in Vidarbha with 29 seats, followed by Congress with 15 seats, undivided NCP with six, unified Shiv Sena with four, and smaller parties and independents securing five seats. The recent split in NCP and Shiv Sena, along with the rise of independents, has made Vidarbha a key battleground this time around.

East Vidarbha, which includes six districts - Nagpur, Wardha, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Gondia, and Bhandara, has traditionally been a stronghold for BJP. However, internal conflicts and the resurgence of MVA are posing challenges to Mahayuti's dominance, with BJP and Congress heavyweights vying for control. Nagpur, with its 12 politically significant seats, is witnessing high-stakes battles. BJP, which won 11 seats in 2014 but saw its tally decrease to six in 2019, is facing stiff competition from Congress, especially in the South and Central constituencies of Nagpur city. Congress aims to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments and aims to reclaim key seats in the region. In rural Nagpur, Congress is focusing on farmer distress and local developmental issues that were detrimental to BJP in the previous election. BJP is relying on its popularity among the local populace and organizational strength to retain its seats.

Wardha is another district where battle lines are being drawn, as BJP faces tough challenges from Congress in the assembly constituency. In Deoli, the competition is expected to be between BJP and Congress or Shiv Sena, while in Hinganghat, BJP is gearing up to defend its seat against NCP led by Sharad Pawar. The contest in Arvi is still unfolding.In Gadchiroli, internal conflicts within the BJP are posing challenges as both political alliances consider their options for candidates. BJP MLA Dr. Deorao Holi has suggested growing dissent within the party in the tribal-dominated district. The MVA is exerting pressure to displace the BJP, with NCP's Bhagyashree Atram being fielded against her father Dharamrao Baba Atram of NCP (Ajit) for the Aheri seat. In Armori, a close contest between Congress and BJP is anticipated.

Chandrapur is poised for a competitive election with battles expected in its six constituencies. An industrial hub and a BJP stronghold, the district will witness formidable contests. In Chandrapur constituency, Shiv Sena and BJP are vying for the support of independent MLA Kishor Jorgewar. Sudhir Mungantiwar, a prominent BJP leader, is facing strong opposition in his home constituency of Ballarpur. Congress's Vijay Wadettiwar is seeking a third term in Bramhapuri. In the vacant Warora seat, Congress's Shivani Wadettiwar may emerge as a contender, while in Rajura, BJP is expected to challenge Congress MLA Subhash Dhote.

In Gondia, strategies are being finalized as Independent MLA Vinod Agrawal, now aligned with the BJP, faces a challenge from Congress's Gopaldas Agrawal in Gondia. The Tiroda seat will witness a contest between BJP's Vijay Rahangdale and NCP's Ravikant Bopche. The political situation in Arjuni Moragaon is still uncertain, with NCP (Ajit Pawar) anticipated to announce its candidate soon. Congress's Sasharam Korote is preparing for a tough battle in Amgaon against an as-yet-unannounced BJP candidate.

In Bhandara, all three constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Castes, with internal conflicts evident as allies battle for supremacy. Independent MLA Narendra Bhondekar, an ally of Shinde, is facing opposition within the BJP over his nomination. NCP's Raju Karemore in Tumsar will compete against former MLA Charan Waghmare, now with NC.Congress is also vying for the seat, which adds to the intrigue surrounding the upcoming election in Sakoli. The constituency, currently held by MPCC president Nana Patole, is anticipated to witness a closely contested battle with several BJP candidates vying for the party ticket. The Western Vidarbha region, encompassing districts such as Amravati, Yavatmal, Akola, Washim, and Buldhana, has traditionally been a stronghold for the MVA coalition. However, despite the BJP making inroads in the last two elections, internal disputes over seat-sharing among Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena are complicating their election strategies.

Amravati is a hub of political activity with fierce electoral contests expected, especially in the main district seat. Congress and NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, are competing for dominance, while smaller parties like MNS could further complicate the landscape. In Badnera, Ravi Rana of the Yuva Swabhiman Party, an ally of the BJP, is set to face off against either Shiv Sena or the NCP. Former minister Yashomati Thakur of Congress is aiming for her fourth consecutive victory in Teosa, while other seats like Dhamangaon Railway and Morshi are likely to witness intense battles between BJP and Congress or NCP candidates.

Yavatmal is witnessing the BJP gaining ground in what has traditionally been a Congress-dominated district. Of the seven seats, BJP now controls five, leaving Congress fighting to regain lost territory, particularly in Pusad and Digras. The ongoing seat-sharing discussions within the MVA coalition are contributing to the uncertainty surrounding their electoral prospects in the district.

Akola is gearing up for a quadrangular contest, with strong candidates expected from Mahayuti, MVA, VBA, and Prahar Janshakti. Akot and Murtizapur constituencies, earmarked for Scheduled Castes, are likely to see tough battles, as BJP aims to maintain its dominance. In Akola West, the BJP faces the task of nominating candidates following the passing of its veteran leader Govardhandas Sharma, while in the East constituency, it may opt to retain MLA Randhir Sawarkar.

Washim is poised for a triangular battle in the Karanja and Risod constituencies, where various parties are expected to field competitive candidates.A triangular contest is expected between Mahayuti, MVA, and VBA in the upcoming elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to nominate Lakhan Malik again in Washim, while a new candidate will be chosen for Karanja following the passing of incumbent MLA Rajendra Patni. Meanwhile, Congress's Amit Zanak is seeking his fourth term in Risod. In Buldhana, the political landscape is set for a tussle between Sena (UBT) and Sena (Shinde) in various constituencies. Shiv Sena, led by Uddhav Thackeray, is aiming for seats in Buldhana and Mehkar, while Congress is focusing on winning in Malkapur, Chikhli, Jalgaon Jamod, and Khamgaon. The NCP (Sharad Pawar) might nominate Rajendra Shingane in Sindkhed Raja, although tensions within the MVA alliance could complicate this contest.