The region of Vidarbha, with 62 seats spread across 11 districts, is a focal point in this assembly election and expected to be pivotal in government formation, leading to a fierce competition between the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances. The 2019 election saw the BJP emerge as the predominant force in the area, securing 29 seats, followed by the Congress with 15, the undivided NCP with six, and the unified Shiv Sena with four. Smaller parties and independent candidates, such as Prahar Janshakti, also won five seats. With the recent division within the NCP and Shiv Sena, as well as the rise of independents, Vidarbha is poised to become a critical battleground.
In East Vidarbha, comprising six districts – Nagpur, Wardha, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Gondia, and Bhandara – historically a stronghold of the BJP, faces challenges due to internal conflicts and the resurgent MVA. Nagpur, with its 12 seats, holds significant political importance in Vidarbha and is gearing up for intense electoral battles. The BJP, which won 11 seats in 2014, experienced a reduction to six in 2019. Capitalizing on anti-incumbency sentiments, Congress aims to regain constituencies in Nagpur city while strengthening its hold on the North and West seats. In rural Nagpur, Congress is focusing on issues like farmer distress and local development, areas that were weak spots for the BJP in the previous election. The BJP, on the other hand, is relying on the popularity of its local leaders and organizational strength to maintain its existing seats.
Wardha is witnessing battle lines being drawn, with BJP anticipating tough competition from Congress in its assembly constituency. Deoli is expected to witness a contest between BJP and Congress or Shiv Sena (UBT), while in Hinganghat, BJP is preparing to defend its seat against NCP (Sharad Pawar). The electoral race in Arvi remains undecided.In Gadchiroli, the politically sensitive district is experiencing internal conflicts within the BJP, with both alliances considering candidates. BJP MLA Dr Deorao Holi has indicated growing dissent within the party. The MVA is making efforts to replace the BJP, particularly in Aheri where NCP's Bhagyashree Atram is contesting against her father Dharamrao Baba Atram of NCP (Ajit). A tight battle between Congress and BJP is anticipated in Armori.
In Chandrapur, an industrial hub and a stronghold for the BJP, a tough electoral competition is expected in its six constituencies. In Chandrapur constituency, both Shiv Sena and BJP are vying for the support of independent MLA Kishor Jorgewar. BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar, facing strong opposition in Ballarpur after a challenging Lok Sabha election, is set to compete. Congress's Vijay Wadettiwar is seeking a third consecutive term in Bramhapuri. The vacant Warora seat may go to Wadettiwar's daughter Shivani, while in Rajura, Congress MLA Subhash Dhote might face a BJP contender.
In Gondia, strategies are being finalized, with BJP's Vinod Agrawal challenged by Congress's Gopaldas Agrawal. In Tiroda, BJP's Vijay Rahangdale will compete against NCP's Ravikant Bopche. The political scenario in Arjuni Moragaon remains uncertain, awaiting NCP's candidate choice. Congress's Sasharam Korote is preparing for a challenging contest in Amgaon against an upcoming BJP candidate.
Bhandara is witnessing conflicts among allies in its three reserved constituencies for Scheduled Castes. Independent MLA Narendra Bhondekar, an ally of Shinde, is facing opposition within the BJP regarding his nomination. In Tumsar, NCP's Raju Karemore is set to battle his rival, former MLA Charan Waghmare, who is now with the NC party.P (Sharad Pawar) is being sought after by both Congress and BJP, creating an intriguing political scenario. The Sakoli constituency, currently held by MPCC president Nana Patole, is anticipated to experience a tight contest with several BJP candidates competing for the ticket. Western Vidarbha is traditionally a stronghold for the MVA coalition, encompassing districts like Amravati, Yavatmal, Akola, Washim, and Buldhana. However, the BJP has made inroads in the region in the past two elections. Internal disagreements over seat distribution among Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena are complicating their election strategies. Amravati is a hub of political activity with intense electoral battles expected, especially in the main district seat. Various parties are vying for dominance, with potential complications from smaller groups like the MNS. In Yavatmal, the traditionally Congress-dominated district, BJP has made significant gains, holding five of the seven seats. Congress is striving to regain lost ground, particularly in Pusad and Digras. Akola is set for a quadrangular contest with strong candidates expected from Mahayuti, MVA, VBA, and Prahar Janshakti. Washim will witness a triangular battle in constituencies like Karanja and Risod.A triangular battle is expected among Mahayuti, MVA, and VBA in the upcoming elections. The BJP 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. In Risod, Congress's Amit Zanak is seeking a fourth term. In Buldhana, there will be a unique contest between Sena (UBT) and Sena (Shinde) in various constituencies. Shiv Sena under Uddhav Thackeray is aiming for seats in Buldhana and Mehkar, while Congress is focusing on Malkapur, Chikhli, Jalgaon Jamod, and Khamgaon. There is a possibility that NCP (Sharad Pawar) may nominate Rajendra Shingane in Sindkhed Raja, although internal conflicts within the MVA could add complexity to this race.
